The 12th Wigan Company Boys Brigade was established 50 years ago but has recently seen a number of qualified adult leaders retire, leaving a gap which could have meant a drastic reduction in the numerous group activities.

The brigade's existence was threatened as senior leaders left without suitable replacements being found.

But, thanks to a £3,680 grant awarded by Awards For All on behalf of the National Lottery, the 100 plus brigade members can now look forward to another 50 years of adventure camps, residential trips and holidays.

Keith Povah, a leader of the 12th Wigan Company, said: "Our various activities and away trips are a huge part of what attracts young people to the brigade.

"They are a big selling point, so having the means to keep them going is essential."

Although the lads pay for the trips themselves, having a pool of leaders with a suitable minibus driving licence is a big part of every expedition or outing, so the funding will be used for some of the leaders to gain this qualification.

Keith said: "That may sound minor, but it means we'll be able to nearly double the number of boys we can take on trips and expeditions and we'll be able to accept new members we might have had to reject.

"This funding means we can to go on providing those kinds of opportunities, just as we have done for 50 years."

Keith added: "The Boys Brigade is crucially important.
"It lets kids develop socially and interpersonally and is, quite frankly, life-building.

"I joined the brigade myself as a boy, and I'm still part of it.
"We're all involved because it's a chance to give something back, to assist children in feeling included in and inspired by something."