CARDRONA Scout Group have launched 'Squirrels'  which is a new branch of the Scouting family for four and five-year-olds.

It is a first in the history of Scouts in 35 years and a milestone moment for Borders Scouts.

During their first meeting which took place on Monday, the youngsters had fun playing together, listening to a story, making mini campfires and eating marshmallows, before finishing the evening with a song – Alice the Camel.

The Cardrona Scout Group has been running in the village since 2006 when the Beaver section opened.

Since then, more than 200 young people from across the area have got involved.

The introduction of Squirrels aims to support early years children after lockdown and help them learn skills for life.

The youngsters will get to be active, explore nature and have fun learning with friends, earning badges like all other Scouts.

Cheryl Turpie, the group Scout leader at Cardrona Scout Group, said: “Many of this age group will have sadly spent a great deal of their young life in lockdown or under restrictions so it is fantastic to be able to offer them the new Scouting programme in Cardrona.

"The leadership team are really excited to be able to start our Squirrel Drey.

"It’s going to be great fun to get our young people together, having fun, making new friends and work towards their badges and Chief Scout Acorn Award."

Once invested into Scouts, the new Squirrels members will wear red uniforms and have their own set of badges including 'Feel Good', 'Be Active', 'Explore Outdoors', 'Brilliant Builder' and 'Exciting Experiments'.

Andy Beaumont, the district commissioner for the Borders Scout District, said: “We couldn’t be prouder to announce Squirrels. It’s an historic milestone for Scouts, We’re helping young people gain skills for life where and when it matters most.”

Chief Scout and TV star Bear Grylls added: “We know from our pilot programme that four- five-year-olds can really benefit from the activities that Squirrels offers.

"All of us at the Scouts believe that by offering opportunities at this early age, inspiring a sense of wonder, fun and curiosity, we can have a long-lasting, positive impact on young people’s lives.

To make this work we need more volunteers to join the team.”

For more information, visit: www.borderscouts.org.uk