A SCOUT group which three years ago faced closure has risen like a phoenix from the ashes.

The 2nd Croydon / 1st Crystal Palace Scout Group, formed in 1908, had just 20 members when Liam Campbell took over as Group Scout Leader in 2007.

After being given three months to address issues such as dwindling numbers and a lack of proper scouting activities, the group has since come on leaps and bounds.

The group, which claims to be one of the oldest in the world, is now on the cusp of having 100 Scouts with meetings held four times a week at its base in Upper Norwood.

Mr Campbell, who last year received a Jack Petchey Foundation award for being an outstanding leader, said: “The group was almost at death’s door.

“We had willing leaders who didn’t have the tools to deliver the scouting required.

“We’ve now worked hard to forge links with schools and churches to let people know we’re still here.

“We’ve lifted the profile of the group and got more involved in local projects.”

Last year the Scout group won the Croydon District Group Development Award in recognition of its transformation.

It is now hopeful on picking up the Margaret Ayres Award for youth horticultural projects for work done on its allotment in Beck Lane, Beckenham.

Boys and girls in the group, aged from six to 14, enjoy adventure activities such as archery and canoeing, which they may not get the opportunity to do in school.

For more information call 07904 734115 or email scouts2ndcroydon@blueyonder.co.uk