A SCOUT group has been raising funds for a charity that improves the mental health of children.

Dozens of youngsters from the 19th Durham Neville’s Cross Beavers, Cubs and Scout troops recently participated in a sponsored abseiling, archery and shooting.

They raised more than £1,600 for the Young Minds mental health charity in memory of local teenager and former scout Orrin Walker.

The 16-year-old took his own life in January and now youngsters from his former troop took to the ropes at Moor House Adventure Centre near Durham, to help out.

More than 30 youngsters and adults fired 500 pellets on the shooting range, released 500 arrows on the archery range and abseiled the equivalent height of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, which stands more than 3,200 feet above sea level.

Mathew Freeburn, who helped organise the event, said: “It was scary for the adults, so it must have been even more daunting for the youngsters who showed determination and commitment to complete the abseil.”

“Well done to all the young people who took part.”