Such a fantastic response

SIR- Back in March this year, I wrote to the North Devon Gazette as Assistant Scout Leader asking for help from the local community in donating any unwanted Sainsbury s Active Kids vouchers to the 2nd Bideford Scout Group. I am now writing to say what a

SIR- Back in March this year, I wrote to the North Devon Gazette as Assistant Scout Leader asking for help from the local community in donating any unwanted Sainsbury's Active Kids' vouchers to the 2nd Bideford Scout Group.

I am now writing to say what a fantastic response we have had to our request.

To date, we have received more than 5,170 vouchers both in the post and donations by hand to our HQ in Silver Street and collecting boxes at Blights Motors.

We have received many nice letters of support along with the vouchers and envelopes posted without names or addresses, so we would like to thank everyone who supported us via your newspaper.

Support was not just in vouchers. I would also like to thank the lady of 92 who wrote us a lovely letter and sent in a donation; and also to the Bideford couple who donated a selection of old Scout books.

The support and kindness the group has received from a great many people across Torridge and North Devon has helped the group to order two new Vango four-man tents, two kitchen units for campaign and food storage boxes for camping and cooking use.

Without the support of the local community across Torridge and North Devon, the Scout movement would not be thriving and growing.

The Scout Association offers everyday adventure and activity to almost 475,000 young people across the UK. It is the largest co-educational youth organisation in the world, with more than 28 million members in 216 countries and territories. We are just a small part of it.

On behalf of more than 70 youngsters who enjoy Scouts in Bideford every week, thank you.

Tim Blight, Assistant Scout Leader,

2nd Bideford Scout Group.