A SCOUT group from the district has met for the first time in four months, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Members of 1st Ponteland Scout Group enjoyed an orienteering trip at Bolam Lake Country Park, near Belsay, on Monday.

It was a milestone for the youngsters, for Ponteland’s scouts, as well as beaver and cub groups, have met only virtually, via video conference calls, since mid-March.

Lockdown has been a creative time for the youngsters, who joined others across the county in the Northumberland Scouts Camp At Home project.

The imaginative scheme saw children and teenagers pitch tents in their gardens, and build dens inside. They also took part in daily exercises, explored the wildlife around Ponteland, and even engaged in litter picks with the help of their families.

But organisers admitted that while the sessions were successful, there was nothing better than scouting the traditional way, with face-to-face meetings.

Scouting was allowed to recommence from July 6, with outdoor activities only. Scout leaders Vanessa Linnett and Mark Wood were determined to kick-start scouting opportunities. They organised the orienteering session at Bolam Lake, which went ahead with rigorous processes in place to ensure it was compliant with Covid-19 regulations.

Scout Leader Barry Hirst said “Leaders have put an incredible amount of time and effort in to supporting youth members from home. To see the scouts enjoying the great outdoors again was a real joy to behold.”