SCOUTS from across Gwent gathered for their annual service at Hope Baptist Church in Crosskeys on Sunday.

Between 500 and 600 scouts were in attendance and each scout was asked to bring a food item to donate to the local food bank.

During the service, a new standard for the 1st Pontywaun Beavers – the youngest section of the scouting movement – was dedicated by the officiating minister, the Reverend Paula Parish-Foley.

The district commissioner for Caerphilly, Rhymney and Islwyn scouts, Miranda Young, said: “It was lovely to see this wonderful old church absolutely crammed with happy youngsters.

“They have picked up on the last message of their founder Lord Baden-Powell who said, ‘The real way to get happiness is by bringing happiness to other people’.

“Three new groups have been formed in 18 months and the Pontywaun group has, in the space of a year, gone from the edge of closure to being a thriving and proud unit.

“Parents are realising that scouting gives their youngsters a running start in that it teaches them to be responsible and confident.”

First group scout leader of the 1st Pontywaun, Mike Buckingham, added: “We’re pleased the youngsters entered into the Christmas spirit. It was unifying.”