A WINTER barbecue and some celebratory fireworks marked the end of an era for Scouts in Evesham.

Selby Campsite ,at Hinton-on-the-Green, has now closed after 60 years with the expiry of its lease.

For six decades, the much loved site was enjoyed by Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Network Scouts, Brownies, Guides, and leaders, as well as groups from other parts of the country.

For many young people, camping on the site was their first experience of being away from home.

In the 1950s, when private transport was not as popular, Scouts from Evesham pushed their camping equipment all the way to camp on a wooden handcart, which is still on display in the Almonry Museum.

District Commissioner Bärbel Wolstencroft said: “Selby Camp will be missed. It was a green space where young people could climb trees and learn to cook over open fires. Many generations of young people enjoyed the freedom of the great outdoors and took away new life skills from this little plot of land.”

Set about three miles south of Evesham, Selby Campsite offered a kitchen, wet weather shelter, electric shower, toilets and an area where an open fire could be safely set up outside.

Back in 2012, outdoor Scouting activities in The Vale won the approval of UK Chief Scout and celebrity adventurer Bear Grylls.

He made a flying visit, arriving by helicopter to greet about 300 excited Scouts as part of Operation Bald Eagle - a national tour to encourage more volunteers to get involved in Scouting.