Scouting in Wandsworth is on the rise after the organisation reported a 12 per cent increase in popularity in the last year.

Figures published last week show that 123 more young people have joined the scouts in the borough taking the overall total to almost 1,000 in the borough.

The increase has helped take the number in the UK to its highest point since 2000 - with a total national membership of of 525,327.

Wandsworth scout Emily Au, 17, said: "Getting involved in Scouting is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

"I’m picking up all sorts of useful skills that will be useful for my CV in the future."

This impressive surge in membership, the seventh consecutive year of expansion, has helped cement the organisation's position as the largest co-educational youth movement in the country.

In the UK members, who can belong to the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Girl Scouts, can enjoy more than 200 activities including water skiing, abseiling and adventure glider flights.

Bear Grylls, who is the organisation's chief scout, said: "It is so great to see Scout numbers rising in Wandsworth and a big reason for this is the number of teenagers joining the adventure.

"More and more young people are realising that scouting offers them so much - whether its the opportunity to go on a big international adventure or the chance to learn and hone vital life skills."