IN THE true spirit of Baden-Powell, a Chandler's Ford Scout group which was made homeless after a fire ripped through the roof of its headquarters is determined to carry on.

The hut belonging to the Second Chandler's Ford Scout Group at Ramalley, off Hursley Road, was badly smoke and water-damaged in a fire drama earlier this month.

But now other Scout groups in the area have rallied round and given the Second's Beavers, Cub Scouts and Scouts temporary shelter.

Chandler's Ford district commis-sioner Carolyn Darbyshire, the Second's former group Scout leader, praised the firefighters for preventing the blaze from engulfing the hut.

She said: "They did a magnificent job. We could have lost the whole Scout hut.

"The hut is totally unusable but we hope to rebuild it. Scouting will carry on at the Second."

Mrs Darbyshire spoke of her shock when she heard about the fire.

She said: "It is my old Scout group and when I heard what had happened I was on the scene offering my support."

She said that everyone connected with the group had rallied round and had helped in the clearing-up operation.

"The tents were smoke- damaged but other districts have rallied round and offered tents and other help."

The Ramalley Pre-School, which used the Scout headquarters on a daily basis, was also left homeless.

But Parkview Community Pre-School came to the rescue and has loaned its premises and equipment for several sessions to enable the children to continue to meet.

A spokesperson for the Ramalley Pre-School said: "The staff would like to assure everyone that we are actively seeking other premises for the summer term and will be back at Ramalley in September.

"We would like to thank all those who have given us help and support throughout this difficult time."