North Norfolk 12-year-olds Lewis Crain and Theo Slaney might well belong to one of the smallest Scout packs in the country, but, what they lack in number, they more than make up for in enthusiasm.

'We represent up two-thirds of our section,' Lewis said.

'But, we have a great time at Scouts, we get lots of new experiences and I have even abseiled off a windmill and not many people can say they have done that.'

Together with Oliver Fraser, also aged 12, Lewis and Theo, both of whom joined the group as Beavers, make up West Runton Scout pack, where numbers have hit a record low as a result of boys either moving away or moving on to Explorers.

The trio are appealing for more youngsters to join them to make team games and activities more fun.

'We've got great leaders and there is never a week where there isn't something to do,' Theo said. 'We've had camps, done cooking, kayaking, first aid and even made a huge catapult, so I'd definitely tell people to join.'

West Runton Group Scout leader Helen Cardani said that the group's Cromer Road headquarters, where work is shortly due to start on a £120,000 extension, had 'fantastic' facilities, while Scouting gave youngsters an opportunity to build up life-skills, earn badges and take on challenges.

She added: 'We have a full, exciting and adventurous programme planned for the coming months, with everything from shooting and model-making, to a jamboree-on-the-internet, so whatever young people like doing, then Scouts can make it happen.'

West Runton Scouts meet on Fridays from 7-9pm. For more information, or to arrange a trial session, phone 01263 825855.