The search is on to find the next district commissioner to lead Scouts in the Lowestoft area.

With the current district commissioner for Scouting in Lowestoft, Mel Buck, set to stand down this year from the role that he has filled over the last 10 years, applications have now opened.

Under Mr Buck's stewardship, scouting in the district has flourished.

In October 2013 chief Scout Bear Grylls paid a flying visit to Suffolk and met a large contingent of Lowestoft District Scouts at a water activity day at Fritton.

Arriving by helicopter he was greeted by Mr Buck, which was one of his first commitments as district commissioner.

Lowestoft Journal: Bear Grylls and Mel Buck.Bear Grylls and Mel Buck. (Image: Mick Howes)

Now, the Lowestoft district commissioner search group is inviting nominations and applications from both members of the Scouting movement and external applicants for consideration for the appointment as district commissioner for Lowestoft district.

With the Lowestoft district currently made up of seven groups, according to the applicants' information pack the Lowestoft Scouts’ overall total membership is currently 646.

This includes - at the time of the 2022 census of membership - a breakdown of 109 Beaver Scouts (aged six to eight-year-olds), 137 Cub Scouts (eight to 10-and-a-half), 122 Scouts (10-and-a-half to 14), 33 Explorer Scouts (14 to 18) and includes Young Leaders, three Network members (18 to 25) and 183 Adults (18-plus).

Callum Howard, district youth commissioner for Lowestoft, said: "This is a management role, and we need someone who will provide leadership, motivation and guidance to our other adult volunteers.

"A large part of this role involves supporting managers of local groups.

"For any adult volunteer in Scouting, their manager will be a regular point of call for support.

"You don’t need any prior experience of Scouting to apply for this role - we’ll make sure you’re fully trained and supported."

The closing date for both nominations and applications is midnight on Wednesday, February 1.

For those wishing to nominate others, you do not need the nominee’s prior approval.

The information and vacancy pack is available to download on the Suffolk Scouts website www.suffolkscouts.org.uk/news/940-lowestoft-dc-vacancy