THE centre at Rhydd Covert is at the heart of the Scout movement in Wyre Forest, a movement that helps about 700 district young people develop crucial values of responsibility and citizenship.

Scout groups have existed in Wyre Forest since 1909 - two years after Robert Baden-Powell founded the movement.

There are 13 Scout groups in the district. The groups mostly comprise the three types of Scouts, to suit different age ranges.

Beaver Scouts are for children aged six to eight, Cub Scouts are for eight to 10-and-a-half-year-olds while Scouts are for children aged 10-and-a-half to 14.

The children meet once a week and take part in a set programme to achieve a series of badges that reward skills such as camping and orienteering.

These outdoor skills - which include mapping and fire lighting - are at the core of the Scouts age group and are put to the test at Rhydd Covert and with expeditions throughout the UK.

The Cubs spend their time learning the basic skills to prepare them for Scouts while, for the youngest Beaver Scouts, the emphasis is on "fun and friends".

All youngsters work towards their Queens Scout Award, which emphasises the importance of good citizenship with activities such as first aid. This is usually attained during their time in a District Explorer Unit, which is for teenagers aged 14 to 18.

There are four District Explorer groups, along with the 13 district Scout groups. The Scout groups are in Wolverley, Franche, Comberton, St Johns, Spennells, Cookley, Harkaway, Blakedown, Birchen Coppice, Habberley.

Two groups, meanwhile, are dedicated to Air Scouts and Sea Scouts while Scoutlink caters for children with special needs.

District commissioner at Kidderminster and District Scout Council, Dave Denton, said: "Scouting provides an opportunity for youngsters to pursue different activities that they wouldn't normally be able to pursue, especially outdoor activities.

"It enables young people to discover themselves, become more independent and become good citizens."