A Belmont scout group has raised enough money to give 18 poverty-stricken families in Africa a chance to receive life changing training.

The first Belmont Scout, Cub and Beaver group, which has recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, raised the money for Tearfund, as part of scouting tradition to help those in need.

The idea to raise the money came after a parent who works for the charity gave a talk to the cubs and beavers about global poverty.

David Peters, one of the Belmont cub leaders, said: “They heard about how children their age have to carry 15 litres of water several miles a day and they tried lifting that same amount onto their heads, and struggled.

“We wanted the group to understand that although they are young, they are still able to do something significant to help people less fortunate than they are.”

The group raised £185 from making and selling cakes after their anniversary service at St John’s Church earlier this month.

The money raised will allow 18 people go on a course to find out how they can use what is around them to work their way out of poverty.