THREE of Keighley’s newest Scout groups have been showcased to a VIP visitor.

West Yorkshire Lord Lieutenant, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, saw for herself some of the latest additions to the district’s burgeoning Scouting movement.

Her first port of call was the 7th Keighley group, which meets at Phoenix Special School in Braithwaite.

The youngsters were enjoying activities on a road safety theme.

She then headed to neighbouring Merlin Top Primary Academy, where the thriving 9th Keighley group is based.

And her final visit was to the town’s Madinah mosque, where members of 4th Keighley were working on their Entertainer badge.

During the evening, Dr Roscoe – who is president of West Yorkshire Scouts – presented a variety of awards and performed investitures.

She was accompanied by Scouts county commissioner, Mark Stageman, with district commissioner, Jeanette Young, her deputy, Derek Wild, and district chairman Ken MacKenzie.

“We were delighted and privileged to welcome the Lord Lieutenant,” said Mrs Young.

“It was a splendid visit and she made it very special for all the children.

“She was interested in seeing Scouting at grassroots and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”

Mr Wild said the groups are among five new ones set up in the district in the past two years.

The 7th Keighley outfit is one of the first in the country to be established at a special school.

“Scouting is giving the young people opportunities, which otherwise they would never get,” he said.

“Dr Roscoe had the chance to see the children taking part in activities as well as the opportunity to meet leaders and parents.”

Mr Wild paid tribute to the role played by the schools, councillors and community leaders in helping to get the new groups off the ground.