Scouting is a movement rooted in honesty, community spirit and resilience but the theft of the 2nd Cricklade Scouts’ trailer has left the whole troop deflated.

The youngsters were eagerly looking forward to their group camping Brecon and now it is more than likely that this will have to be cancelled.

To steal a piece of property used by a community group is one thing, disgraceful enough on its own, but to wrench the hope from a band of children looking forward to a camping trip is something else entirely.

A clamp was removed from the wheel of the trailer meaning that the thieves are not some hapless opportunists, but calculating cowards who have probably already fenced the valuable piece of camping kit.

Although their trailer may have been pilfered by these scum it has not stopped the resourceful Scout troop from coming up with a backup plan to salvage their trip and their chance to help at a community event.

Always prepared, they have asked the people of Cricklade and beyond to help them fund a new trailer to allow them to go on their expedition and to help out at Cricklade Festival later this month.

The community supported the Scouts online with more than 3,000 shares on Facebook but now they have a chance to really show how much they value the group.

Although they have a mountain to climb if each person who shared donated just £2 the new trailer would secured.

To donate go to the fund click here.