Scouts' £20,000 bid to save hut

A Shropshire scout group has launched a £20,000 campaign to save a derelict hut.

The property, run by 1st Dawley Brook scouts, has been empty and unused for two years, vandalised and filled with rubbish.

Last week a group of parents - with children on hand for support - pulled on the gloves and blitzed it in a massive clean-up effort. Now they want to restore the hut in Dawley, Telford, for the scout group.

But it needs a massive amount of work, including a new roof, fittings and electrics.

Organiser Jade Bodkin said it would take more than £20,000 but the group was determined to make it.

She said: "It was very hard work clearing it out. We had about 20 parents and more children and it took all day.

"It has been trashed - kids had broken in and vandalised it. You couldn't see the floor.

"We've absolutely gutted it - it's an empty shell now. So if people do break in again there is nothing for them to break."

Mrs Bodkin said the group would apply for grants and hold events to raise the mon- ey. The first will be a a make-up party on November 25.

The event is at Web Youth Club, Webb Crescent, Dawley, from 7.30pm until 10pm. Tickets cost £2.

Manicures, mini-facials and make-overs will be on offer during the evening, which is being hosted by a Virgin Vie consultant.

For more information contact Carol McKinney on 07964 727681.

And Mrs Bodkin has asked anyone who wants to help by holding an event or donating furniture, fittings or services to phone her on (01952) 400221.

Pictured: Lending a hand at the scout hut are Thomas Watson, eight, Christopher<p>Eason, seven, William McKinney, nine, and Ashley Bodkin, 13.

By Dave West