THE grand opening of Okehampton's new scout hut took place last weekend, after six years of fundraising.

The new scout hut, which was originally estimated to cost £80,000, was completed at a total of £115,000.

One of the largest grants given to the scouts was from the Okehampton United Charity, which awarded the project £36,000.

Over the years, dedicated fundraisers held coffee mornings, bingo and quiz nights to help raise some of the cash needed for the project. And there were generous grants from local organisations.

The new hut, which is situated off Crediton Road, was opened by project contracts manager for the scouts and town councillor Tony Leech, who took over the project last September.

Cllr Leech said the new hut would help the scouts to generate their own income.

He said: 'The new hut is a great improvement and we are extremely grateful to Okehampton United Charity for their grant.

'The scouts will be able to help allocate other scout groups in the area to use the land to camp in.'

Planning permission for the new hut was granted in January 2003 and in 2005, the first foundations were laid for the development.

Chairman of Okehampton Scouts Mick Jones said he was relieved the hut was finally finished, allowing the scouts to enjoy its facilities.

He said: 'The most important thing is that all the young cub scouts and beavers have something to call their own and can put their stamp on it.'

Mr Jones expressed thanks to all who contributed to the project: 'It couldn't have been done without the leaders and community members, who have put in an immense amount of hard work and dedication.

'We needed help in the form of a large sum of money and building expertise to complete the task, and along came Mr Tony Leech.

'Acting as our contracts manager, Tony secured contractors and the funds enabling the work to be carried out to the stage of completion.'

Okehampton Scouts enjoyed their first night camping outside their new hut, which now accommodates a large kitchen, showers, a large hall, and disabled access and toilets.

There is also a large amount of land around the hut, which has been landscaped and fenced off for camping, where the scouts enjoyed their first night of camping last weekend.