Image source, Alamy

By Paul Grant & Hayley Hassall

BBC File on 4

Millions of pounds have been paid out in the last ten years to people who were abused in the Scouts, lawyers say.

BBC File on 4 contacted 13 law firms who specialise in child abuse claims, and data from the eight that responded revealed more than £6m had been paid out in compensation in the last decade.

Some 166 cases were settled over the same time, while more female survivors were now coming forward, lawyers said.

The Scout Association said it was "deeply sorry" anyone suffered abuse.

It comes as two women, who both say they were abused in the Scouts, have started a campaign asking the organisation to change its safeguarding policy.

Historical cases

File on 4 contacted 13 firms who specialise in abuse claims, all in the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.

According to data from the lawyers who responded, at least 260 claims were taken on against the Scouts in the last ten years, and 166 cases were settled. Some 50 had been unsuccessful and others were still ongoing.

The BBC asked the Scouts how much money it had paid out in the last ten years.