A HAMPSHIRE scout group has been saved from closure after it completed work on a new roof scheme.

1st Fareham Scout Group raised more than £24,000 following a fundraising campaign for the replacement of their hut roof which had developed severe leaks and damages.

The campaign which lasted for 18 months saw donations from Hampshire County Council, One Stop Shop Community Fund, Tesco's Bags of Help Campaign and Fareham Borough Council.

Group Chairman Linda Wells said: "We are so happy that we raised the money, without this the group could have folded as we wouldn't have been able to use the hut anymore."

Construction for the new roof then got underway in September and was completed last week ready before being unveiled on Tuesday at an event led by Councillor Susan Bayford, the new deputy mayor of Fareham.

Her husband Brian Bayford, who was awarded the first Queens Scout award in 1953, the highest scouting honour also gave a talk to the scouts on his experiences.

Linda added: "We have had so much help from the local community, it's fantastic for the kids.

"The scouting movement is popular than it has ever been before, my three grandchildren have been through the same troop."

The group which was founded in 1910 has 80 kids across Cubs, Scouts and Beaver packs.

Councillor Bayford said: "I was very delighted to attend this important event in the long life of the 1st Fareham Scout Group."

"I am hugely impressed by the effort that has been put in and all the scouts, leaders, volunteers and organisations that have helped raise this terrific some of the money, the hall looks wonderful."

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