A SCOUT helper has been warned he faces a lengthy jail sentence after he admitted a string of sexual offences involving young girls.

Michael Drinkwater, 36, of Exchange Street, Accrington pleaded guilty at Burnley Crown Court to three charges of rape, one of assault by penetration and one of sexual assault against two victims, one aged 13 and the other 14.

Many of the offences are believed to have been committed at Bowley Scout Camp in Great Harwood between March 2005 and January 2006.

Drinkwater was not a Scout leader at the time of the offences, but was a member of the Scouting Fellowship which offers support to the Scouting network.

Judge Bevereley Lunt told Drinkwater: "You must understand that a lengthy prison sentence is inevitable in this case. There is no alternative."

After the hearing, Detective Constable Lyndsey Molloy said: "This is a nasty case and we are very keen to bring people who commit offences of this nature to justice..

"This is a good result for the victims involved and their families and we are pleased the case is now reaching its end."

Earlier this year, a spokesman for the Scout Association condemned Drink-water's actions.

He said: "Action was taken to prevent his involvement with the movement as soon as the allegations were reported. Scouting is a values-based organisation which works for and on behalf of its young members.

"The Scout Association carries out stringent vetting of all adults who work with young people and requires them to work to strict guidelines outlined in our code of good practice."

Drinkwater was remanded in custody until 1 June for a pre-sentence report and has also been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register.