A new Scout group has been launched in St Albans as part of a mayoral initiative to increase activities for young people in the community.

A new Scout group has been launched in St Albans as part of a mayoral initiative to increase activities for young people in the community.

Launched by St Albans Mayor Cllr Mohammad Iqbal Zia, the 20th St Albans Ansar Scout Group is the first new group in the district for the last 40 years.

It is open to girls and boys who live in and around St Albans and is affiliated to the Muslim Scout Fellowship, which is part of the Scout Association.

The initiative came about after the Mayor invited community leaders to come up with ideas to include young people in the community and promote inclusiveness.

During the launch, children had the chance to experience Scouting activities, including tent pitching and tying knots, at St Albans Islamic Centre.

Scouting sessions will start in the week commencing Monday, February 19. These include Beaver Scouts, for children aged six to eight, to be held on Saturdays from 1.30pm to 3pm, and Cub Scouts for children aged eight to 10, to be held on Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8pm. There are also plans to run Scouts for older children later in the year.

The Mayor said: “The theme for my mayoral year is ‘Your Community – Our Community’ and I am looking at ways to bring everyone in the community together.

“This Scout group is the first project to come to fruition and will give young people the opportunity to get involved in the adventure of Scouting. They will have great fun going on camps and taking part in outdoor activities, while also learning how to be responsible members of society.”

Attending the launch event were Waqar Shaikh from the Muslim Scout Fellowship, Akhtar Zaman, the president of the Islamic Centre, and executive members of the Ansar Scout Group.

Annette Payne, the district commissioner of St Albans Scouts, said: “Scouting embraces all religions, ethnicities and backgrounds and its values of respect, care, belief, integrity and cooperation have widespread support in society. We have lots of young people wanting to join Scout groups in the area.

“I want to thank the Muslim community for working with us to set up with this new Scout group for everyone to join.”