AN URGENT appeal has been put out for a new leader of an Otley cub scout group.

The Otley Methodist Cubs, who meet every week at the Wesley Hall, Boroughgate, needs a new leader before the end of next month.

If the pack has to close it is feared there will be a knock on effect on the younger beaver and older scout groups.

The pack's current leader, Ruth Painter, is due to leave in just a few weeks time, but despite appeals to parents, no one has come forward.

Joyce Walls, secretary of the church's uniformed organisations, said it was a desperate situation.

"Ruth is going to have to give up next month and although we've sent letters out to parents, we've still had no joy."

She said the pack, which has been running since at least the 30s, currently has around 18 members and was a popular group.

Ms Walls said it was important for other organisations that the group continued.

"It is important that it carries on, because if it doesn't it will have a knock on effect on the beavers and the scouts - there will be no carry on," she said.

The cubs, who can be girls or boys, are aged between eight and 11 years old.

They meet every Tuesday evening at The Wesley Hall, Boroughgate, from 6.40pm to 8.10pm.

Prospective new leaders can be either men or women but they need to be at least 18 years old.

l Anyone interested should telephone Fred King on (01943) 464151.