MEET the young first aiders of the Ist Aylburton and Lydney Cub Scouts who could be returning from Devon this coming weekend covered in glory.

British Rail First Aider and trainer Bert Stapleton thinks the lads have got what it takes when it comes to emergencies and has entered them in the annual Cubs' First Aid competition at Bovey Tracey.

Shane Simmonds, Matthew Davies, Mitchel Baldwin and George Mallen, plus reserve Owen Pearman and group leader Julie Farr are off by train to Devon where they will be competing with 17 teams from other troops.

"It will be a real outing," said Julie. "However, they have said we will all have to sleep on the HQ floor. Good job they didn't ask is to bivouac!"

Julie says while news of other Cub and Scout Groups in the Forest points to falling numbers her group is steadily growing.

"Well-wishers say it is because we run such a good troop. I hope so!" she said.