THE march of 600 Beaver Scouts, Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts on St George's Day was an ideal chance to take a snapshot of how Bromsgrove and Droit-wich Spa's 88-year-old organisation is faring.

As the youngsters made their way to St John's Church, Bromsgrove, on Sunday, as they had for more than 60 years, it was an obvious source of pride for watching parents.

The massed ranks of Scouts spoke volumes about the success of the group but this year there was one difference.

Policing difficulties meant the complete march through the town, starting at Parkside Middle School, in Stourbridge Road, was cancelled shortly before the event.

District commissioner Val Fitzpatrick said it was a particular disappointment because the march was a highlight in the Scouting year. They intend to restore it next year.

She said: "It's a very important day in the calendar of Bromsgrove Scouts because it is one of the few chances for all the groups to come together and show people that Scouting is very much alive in the area."

Even after that setback, one Bromsgrove Scout managed to fly the flag.

Christopher Kendle, from Woodrow Lane, Catshill, attended the St George's Day Parade at Windsor with HRH the Duke of Kent.

Christopher was invited to attend the high-profile event after he earned the prestigious Queen's Scout Award last year -- the highest award for personal achievement in the Scout movement.

Despite the high levels of participation and waiting lists of up to 50 children for many groups, 100 Scouts had to leave their groups last year.

The problem is that although young people are queuing up to get involved, it is becoming more difficult to find adult leaders.

As a result, the Belbroughton, Fairfield and Clent group is suspended, a group has been lost in Ombersley and the Hagley troop has folded.

Val said increasing pressures of work made it harder for adults to commit to helping out.

She added: "We are always on the lookout for leaders. There are so many young people out there who cannot join us because of the lack of adults.

"But no matter what the age, there is so much enthusiasm and fun. Adults get as much out of Scouting as young people do -- if we didn't, we wouldn't do it."

Volunteers show remarkable commitment -- some have been with the Scouts for more than 40 years.

Val said travel, the fun of helping young people and the sense of personal development make it all worthwhile.

The longevity of the group is not in doubt, with some troops having celebrated their 70th anniversary.

But the Scout movement in Bromsgrove and Droitwich is also looking to the future with new uniforms to be adopted in the autumn and a new logo.

The groups are also going to be restructured, allowing people aged up to 25 to get involved.

Venture Scouts will be phased out -- Explorer Scouts will be the new name for the 14 to 18-year-old groups, and 18 to 25-year-olds will be part of the new group Scout Network.

The structure is intended to be more flexible, offering older members a transition to Scout leading if they want it.

If the group can find plenty of adults to help out, Scouts in the area are assured of a bright future.