MORE than 100 Oxford youngsters want to join the Scouts but cannot because of a shortage of adult leaders, the new district commissioner has said.

Paul Thompson, 26, is thought to be one of the youngest district commissioners in the movement and hopes to recruit more adult volunteers of all ages.

Mr Thompson – who teaches design and technology at St Gregory the Great School in Oxford – succeeds Kidlington’s Val Butcher.

During her six years at the helm of the Scouts’ Oxford Spires district, membership grew by 18 per cent with more than 1,300 taking part in weekly activities.

He said: “It doesn’t matter whether they can give one hour a month, or a few hours a week, we can find a role for them.

“We currently have more than 100 young people in Oxford who are waiting to join the Scouts but can’t, as we need more adult leaders.”

Before taking on his new post, Mr Thompson worked with Explorer Scouts in Kennington and, in July, led 36 county scouts to the World Scout Jamboree at Kristianstad in Sweden.

He said: “I first became involved with the Scout movement as a child aged six in Yorkshire and have stayed involved ever since, as I love it so much.

“I am the youngest district commissioner in the county and don’t know of many others my age in the rest of the country.

“It’s still unusual for someone so young, but it’s getting more common.”

Despite his workload as a teacher, he still finds time to attend Scout meetings most weekday evenings, and weekend camps.

His new roles covers units in the city, Kidlington, Yarnton, Kennington, Thame and Wheatley, The Headington resident added: “I’m very committed to Scouting and give a lot of time to it. This year I’ve taken Scouts scuba diving, powerboating and on high ropes courses.

“Scouting gives young people the chance to try activities they would otherwise never try, providing them with confidence, friends and a sense of adventure.”

For information visit oxford spires.org.uk or oxonscouting.org.uk Volunteers are given full training