Scout troop's open day fails

A bid to breathe new life into a dying 85-year-old Black Country Scout troop has ended in frustration and failure - after just one hopeful turned up to an open day.

Hundreds of leaflets had been distributed to schools and shops in the Wolverhampton area advertising an open day at the 2nd Wednesfield Scout troop base in Moathouse Lane West.

But Saturday's event, which was aimed at drawing much-needed new members, attracted just one visitor.

Ten assistants were on hand to cook food on a camp fire, run an air rifle shooting range and organise other attractions but they were left with nothing to do.

Scout leader Gareth Walker, aged 25, who joined the troop 15 years ago, said: "We had all gone to a lot of trouble in the hope of kickstarting the troop and it was a crushing blow to see just one person turn up."

The poor turnout was especially frustrating for group leader Steve Rogers, whose family has been involved in the troop for 57 years.

He made the 50-mile round trip from his Barton under Needwood home to the Scout base on Saturday.

The 57-year-old warned that the troop could be forced to close if it could not recruit new members. The group meets on Tuesdays at 6.30pm. To join, call Mr Rogers on 01283 713648.