A LOCAL Scout troop has been inspired by the recent announcement of the European Space Agency astronaut, Tim Peake as a Scout Ambassador.

The Scout section (10 ½ years to 14 years) at the 33rd Fife (Lochgelly) Scout Group has recently undertaken the challenge of learning about the night sky.

The Scout Troop are completing the Astronomer badge which includes using their creative skills to build a to scale model of the solar system alongside looking up on a clear night to try and spot three constellations.

The Troop completed this section at a recent camp at Scout Adventures' Fordell Firs where a good time was had by all involved.

The other three sections within the group have also kept busy this year, the Beaver Colony (6 years -8 years) have been working towards their Chief Scout’s Bronze Award, which is the highest award in Scouting available to the section.

Only 1 in 3 Beavers gain the Chief Scout’s Bronze Award, so it is great to see the Scout Group encouraging the young people to get this award.

The Cub Pack (8years- 10 ½ years) have been learning all about safety. They initially started with The Road Safety Badge and after enjoying completing it the young people wanted to learn more, they have moved on to start the Personal Safety Badge, the Cubs will be making some rules to follow to help stay safe when online.

The Explorer Scout Unit (14 years-18 years) have been busy organising and running the Christmas Fayre in aid for the Lochgelly Scout Group.

The Fayre was held at St. Serf’s Church hall on Saturday with a number of different stalls and a special visit from Santa was also arranged. The Explorer Unit raised over £360 for the Scout group, this will allow them to purchase some new equipment and to help fund weekly meeting nights.

Helen McInnes, the Group Scout Leader said: "I am very proud of the young people involved with the Group and congratulate them on their achievements.

"I would like to thank all the leaders and other adults who are involved with the group for their help and support over the last year, which has been challenging as a number of leaders have moved on from the Group".

Helen urged anyone to get in contact with the 33rd if they would be interested in helping out in any capacity, on 33rdfifescouts@gmail.com or by following them on Facebook @33rdfife.