SCOUTS and Guides in Marchwood are celebrating following the official opening of their long-awaited new headquarters.

BBC South Today weather presenter Alexis Green cut the ribbon in a special ceremony, bringing an eight year plan to fruition.

Chair of the building committee, Jonathan Holmes thanked those present for their help and support in completing the building and highlighted the impact that it is already having in the community.

He said: "The Scouts and Guides now have a permanent facility, and the building is already attracting new groups into the village bringing greater opportunities for residents of Marchwood and the surrounding area."

The building is fully accessible and has two halls, each with a kitchen. It is particularly suited to children’s parties, fitness classes and social meeting groups.

The project has involved knocking down the old Scout hut on Lloyds Recreation Ground and replacing it with a new brick built hall that will accommodate a whole host of community groups including the Scouts and Guides.

Demolition of the previous building made the Scouts homeless and meant they had to meet in various locations around the village while the Guides lost their home several years ago.

The Scouts and Guides issued a DIY SOS to builders, tradesmen and volunteers through the pages of the Daily Echo in April 2019 when they risked losing vital funding unless the building moved closer to completion. The community rallied in an effort mirroring the home transformation TV show starring Nick Knowles.

The project was funded through a series of grants from Viridor, Veolia, the Barker Mill Foundation, Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council and Marchwood Parish Council together with many smaller donations.

Anyone interested in hiring the hall should email bookings@marchwoodscoutguidebuilding.org