LESS than a year after a spectacular blaze swept through their boathouse the Netley Sea Scouts are back riding on the crest of the wave with a new building.

Last June's arson attack engulfed the waterfront building in Victoria Road, Netley Abbey, and destroyed two powerboats, about 12 canoes, buoyancy aids, personal equipment plus dinghy masts and sails.

The 4th Itchen South (Netley) group, which has about 26 Sea Scouts, had just launched its sailing season when it was struck by the disastrous fire which caused about £60,000 damage.

Group scout leader Michael Smart labelled the fire-raisers, who were never caught, as callous.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, Mr Smart also described the scene of the fire as one of utter devastation - "The building was just a burnt-out shell."

On Sunday it was a different story when the Netley Sea Scouts officially opened and dedicated their new boat house.

Sailing demonstrations and a barbecue were among the events to mark the occasion.

With the boathouse up and running again and the Netley Sea Scouts' fleet back in the water Mr Smart said: "Things are a lot better and we can look to the future."

There was praise for the 6th Hamble Sea Scouts who helped to keep the Netley group afloat after the fire destroyed its sailing fleet.