A WEST Wirral Scout volunteer has received a 20-year Long Service Award.

Denise Longstaff volunteers at Beavers in 1st Barnston Scout Group.

She has had several roles in Scouting in West Wirral and received a 20-year Long Service Award on Thursday, December 8.

Denise said: "Just seeing the Beavers and Cubs happy and having a great time each week makes you want to come back to give a bit more.

"I really enjoy seeing how the young people develop both their self-confidence and skills from their meetings and activities."

Throughout Wirral, volunteers run activities week in and week out for young people from the ages of four upwards.

Waiting lists are ever-growing and the scouts need adult volunteers now more than ever if they are to continue to be able to offer experiences that young people simply do not get anywhere else.

Denise added: "Scouting offers such a diverse range of opportunities that cater for all. 

"It’s not just tying knots and saying DYB, DYB, DYB (‘Do Your Best’) it’s about learning skills for life.

"Our young people get the opportunity to try a vast range of activities that they might not get elsewhere, and it helps them find new interests, learn new skills, develop and grow."

Scouts have always had a strong presence on Wirral, with some of the oldest groups in this area opening before the First World War, and the first World Scout Jamboree being held in Arrowe Park in 1929.

A century later, Scouting remains as vibrant as ever with groups supporting hundreds of young people in communities throughout the four Scout Districts of West Wirral, Bebington, Birkenhead and Wallasey.

Scouting only exists thanks to the work of adult volunteers who help in many different ways to keep groups running; from behind the scenes to leading the activities and maintaining buildings, adult volunteers are the cornerstone of scouting.

For more information on how you can get involved. Please email; adventure@scoutswirral.org.uk or visit; scoutswirral.org.uk