DELIGHTED Kidderminster scouts are celebrating the start of a building project which will transform their activity centre.

Town mayor Nicky Gale took the controls of a digger on Saturday (January 29) to cut the first trench for an extension at Rhydd Covert campsite next to West Midland Safari Park.

Almost £90,000 has been raised since Kidderminster & District Scouts launched the Rhydd Next Generation Appeal last April to fund the £110,000 development.

Helping the Mayor make the ground-breaking start were nine-year-old Cub Scout Rebecca Philpotts from the 21st Kidderminster (Brinton Park) group and Scout Alex Adams, of the 7th Comberton group.

Appeal chairman Mike Thompson said: “Tremendous support from the community has enabled us to make a swift start to the building and we are indebted to all those who have helped us reach this landmark stage.

“It is a key moment in an exciting project but we still have a lot more to do and more money to raise before we achieve our goal.

“This first phase to create the watertight structure will take three months and we will be moving on to the internal work later in the year before completing the job by installing the bunk beds.”

Last year 5,000 young people camped at Rhydd and the new 22-bed block will open up facilities to even more youngsters from Scout and community groups, enabling them to experience valuable life skills from a wide range of activities.

Many Wyre Forest businesses, organisations and individuals have backed the appeal with donations and a further £25,000 has come from trust funds which support young people. The district Scouts association and its Rhydd Covert Committee have also contributed £20,000.

The association is looking to add to the success by raising £10,000 from its Grand Raffle which runs until the beginning of April and offers prizes worth almost £2,000.

Tickets are available from all Kidderminster Scout groups as well as the John Beard Ironmongers and Go Outdoors stores in the town.

Organisations or individuals wishing to give support or find out more about the appeal should call 07756 766829.