SCOUT groups in Widnes will be able to afford new camping equipment after receiving £4,000 from Halton Borough Council's youth development fund.

The grant will benefit up to 250 scouts in Widnes and comes hot on the heels of a cheque for £3,500 given to Runcorn District Scout for first aid equipment and training.

Since the scheme was launched in 2002, nearly 5,000 young people and 3,500 adults have benefited from almost £50,000 of voluntary youth development grants.

Halton's scout groups have received almost £8,000 alone from the council's efforts to improve facilities for young people in the borough.

Cllr Phil Harris, an executive board member responsible for youth grants, said: "These grants have been extremely valuable in providing the resources to acquire entertainment and learning for Scouts and other youth organisations, such as girl guides, across the borough."

Widnes scouts district commissioner, Eric Hill, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant. It will be shared between all our Widnes scout groups allowing them to buy much needed equipment for camping and expeditions."

To find out more about applying for a voluntary youth development grant, call the council's community development team on 0151-424 2061 or visit www.Halton.gov.uk