SCOUTING in Knutsford is well and truly on the up and up, new figures have shown.

According to The Scout Association’s latest census, Knutsford district showed the highest percentage increase in membership in the county, up an impressive 17.6pc on last year.

This significant hike in numbers has helped Scouting in Cheshire grow by 4.3pc and more than 12,000 people are now actively involved across the county.

District Commissioner Martin Relton said: “It’s been a tremendous year for the district and we have added 103 members over the last six years which shows the ever increasing appeal of Scouting to young people seeking everyday adventure.”

The census, which is carried out annually to identify trends and development areas in the movement, also revealed that the number of adults volunteering in Cheshire has grown by 365 in the past eight years, bringing it to a total of 2,255.

Female membership in the county has almost tripled since 2005 – the number of girl scouts in Cheshire now stands at 1701, compared to 589 nine years ago.

Catherine Eadie, a Knutsford Explorer Scout from Kite Explorer Unit, said: “Getting involved in Scouting is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“I get the opportunity to take part in so many different activities and I am currently looking forward to attending next year’s World Scout Jamboree in Japan.”

Nationally, Scout membership has grown by 100,000 to 550,000 in the past ten years, cementing its place as the largest coeducational community-based youth charity in the UK.

For more information on how to join the Scouts, as a member or as an adult volunteer, visit cheshirescouts.org.uk.