THIS year, with the Covid pandemic, most of the traditional bonfire night events have been called off.

But 1st Berkeley Cubs have been working hard to create a safe alternative.

They are preparing to launch the first Berkeley Guy Fawkes Scarecrow Trail next week.

“Due to the Covid 19 restrictions, we are encouraging families to take part in the trail as a safe alternative to celebrating bonfire night,” said cub leader Rebecca Daniels.

The cubs are busily designing maps, building scarecrows and getting the trail ready for its launch on Wednesday, November 5.

Rebecca said: “We weren’t sure if fireworks and bonfire nights would be permitted - whereas a trail that can be done within families by simply downloading a map from the internet is completely contact free and runs minimal risk of Covid spread, allowing us to try really hard to keep our local infection rates down.

“ From my point of view, it allows the cubs to get creative, learn the importance of getting involved in the community, supporting charities, all while having fun.

“Fireworks and bonfires often encourage a gathering of people, whereas this facilitates a spread of families whilst still holding a community theme.”

The older cubs are currently competing to create the best trail map.

Once a winning map has been selected, it will be posted on a crowdfunding page where it can be downloaded.

People downloading the map can make a donation of £5 if they can afford it.

“We ask for a donation of £5 per family, but the map can be accessed for free so that everyone can take part - and of course if you can donate more, please do,” said Rebecca.

“The cubs will try the trail on Tuesday, November 4 and will vote for a local charity they would like to support. All donations from the crowdfunding page will go to the charity,” said Rebecca.

To download a map, from Wednesday, November 5, and make a donation, visit: bit.ly/3mwd2E0