BEING invested is an exciting moment for any Scout – but not many of them do it 40ft above the ground.

Fourteen youngsters and their leader took part a ceremony at the top of a high ropes course as their new Scout group was officially launched.

The group, St Francis Scouts, was set up in a bid to tackle Poole’s growing waiting list of young people wanting to get involved with the movement.

The troop meets weekly in Parkstone but held an outside meeting on the high ropes course at Butchers Coppice Scout campsite in Bournemouth.

Each Scout took part in two hours of climbing and crate stacking before making their Scout promise 12 metres in the air at the top of the Gladiator Challenge. The promise makes each one officially a member of the Scout Association.

The activities were followed by a barbecue with friends and families of the Scouts all invited to attend.

Holly, a new Scout in the troop, said: “I was nervous to start with, as I’d never done anything like this, but once I got to the top of the Gladiator Challenge I felt a real sense of achievement.

“I’m glad I did it now because I’m not so good with heights.”

The troop is led by Matt Horlock, an ex-Scout from Poole who has recently moved back to the area, alongside cub leader Dean and three parents.

Matt, who made his promise at the same time on the high ropes, said: “I’ve loved getting back involved with Scouting. I got so much from it when I was a member and it’s great to be able to give something back now.”

Anthony Dakin, a Scouting representative in Poole, said: “Matt, alongside Aimee, Jon and Andrew, the three parents who have volunteered as leaders, are great to have on board and a part of Scouting in Poole.

“Scouting is open to anyone, from any background, and when we get people from different backgrounds working together for a common goal, it gives a powerful sense of purpose, fulfilment and pride.

"There is a feeling that anything is possible when we all pull together for the common good.”

Anyone interested in joining or volunteering with Scouting in Poole can visit poolescouts.org.uk or email info@poolescouts.org.uk