A NEW Explorer Scouts unit has been launched to provide greater opportunities for boys and girls aged 14 to 18.

Severn Steel Explorer Scout Unit has been founded following a preliminary meeting last July.

The unit has now progressed from being little groups from different Scout packs to being a single, cohesive unit of Explorer Scouts.

The Explorers and their leaders were recently invested by District Commissioner for Forest of Dean, Gary Law and County Commissioner for Gloucestershire, Mark Spiller and were presented with their unit neckers.

Explorer Leader Pat Healy said: “The name was chosen to reflect the local heritage; Severn, as we meet in Blakeney, on the banks of the River Severn; and Steel to reflect the proud history of steel making in the area.

“Our logo depicts the steel being poured and transforming from the orange of the molten metal to a stylised wave representing the Severn Bore.

“It was a fabulous evening and we are all excited to have received our new neckers.

“The Explorers chose the name and the colours for the necker. The logo was designed by one of the Explorers but approved by all.

“It is great to see things all come together.”

There are two other Explorer Scout units in the Forest – Freeminer ESU which meets in Coalway and Inferno ESU which meets at Aston Ingham.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about Explorer Scouts, contact Forest of Dean Scouts through the Facebook page.