BUILDING works are finally underway on the South Zeal Scout Hut after years of fundraising.

The 1st South Zeal Scout Group has announced that the work has started to improve the weekly meeting place of the beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers.

The club meetings are currently taking place at Belstone Village Hall, South Zeal Pavilion and Taw Bottom while the hut is out of action.

The works will see an extension put onto the back of the hut, as well as new toilets, a new kitchen, shower facility, additional storage space, new lighting and an outdoor canopy for outdoor activities like outdoor cooking. The single door will also be replaced by a double door to allow disabled access.

Scout leader Nicki Glanville said: 'It really is dire, like a mouldy old hole at the moment. These improvements will make an absolutely massive difference and just make it a far more comfortable place for everyone.

'It is a £25,000 project really. We've had £10,000 from lottery funding and money from the Co-op and other places.

'If we could raise between another £1,000 and £2,000, we could kit out the building properly and really finish it off. I started doing this five years ago, and I have been fundraising this entire time.

'It is great to see it moving forward, but it would be wonderful to find that bit extra to finish it off.'

Although the build has started, the scout group is still fundraising in earnest to try to raise the final amounts needed to ensure that the hut is just as impressive inside as out.

Nicki said the group had been thrifty and saved where it could but would be grateful of any kind donations to boost funds to help it finish the build.

'We would like to thank everyone that tendered for the works and all those that have helped with building advice to help shape our plans for a new improved hut,' she said.

'Huge thanks goes to Sean McCaffery of TAW Construction who is carrying out the project. It is great to see the progress.

'Everyone has been very kind to us in helping to raise funds so far and for this we give our utmost thanks.'

The group is also on a recruitment drive, looking to find beaver and cub leaders. Training is provided for both roles. beavers takes place on a Tuesday, while cubs is on Thursdays.

To find out more contact Nicki Glanville on 01837 840574.