PREPARATIONS are underway to help a Darlington Scout group celebrate its centenary next year.

The 8th Darlington Scout Group celebrates its 100th birthday in April 2015 and past members are being called on to contribute to the celebrations.

Various events are already planned for the anniversary year, including the production of centenary badges, a garden fete and an open camp for all ex-Darlington scouts.

A museum charting the history of the group is also being created at its headquarters on Cockerton Green and former members are being asked to contribute any Darlington scouting memorabilia to the display.

Neil Duncan, group archivist, has already dedicated many hours to charting the scout group’s history for the museum but says he would like help to fill in some of the gaps in the group’s timeline.

He said: “We would like ex-members to get in touch and come visit us.

“We do have some record books, mainly from the 1950s and 60s, obviously there are going to be less and less scouts around from before then, unfortunately, but if anybody wanted to donate anything relevant to the group that would be great.”

The anniversary will be marked on April 11, 2015, with an open day at the Cockerton Green headquarters for all past and present scouts and friends of the group.

On June 13 the scouts will hold a garden fete on Cockerton Green which will feature a replica 1915 style camp, among other attractions.

More information about other anniversary events is available on the group’s facebook page and anybody who would like to contribute can contact scouts8thdarlington@outlook.com.