THE 10th Warrington West Scout Group has received a boost to its ‘Big Build’ fundraising appeal with a cheque for £500 from housebuilder Bellway.

An entirely voluntary charitable organisation, the 10th Warrington Scout Group has been serving the community of Great Sankey by providing young people with skills for life since 1927.

It has been at its current location, just off Liverpool Road in an old but characterful building that is no longer fit-for-purpose, since the 1960s.

With the support of their parents and scouting leaders, the Scouts have initiated a huge fundraising drive to re-build the current amenity block, refurbish the scout hut, repair the leaking roof and reduce the environmental footprint of the building.

It is all with the aim of creating a permanent, safe and accessible-for-all building that will provide firm foundations on which to grow scouting in the area and provide a valuable community meeting place.

It is estimated that in excess of £50,000 will be needed to fund the project and enable it to progress for completion before the end of next year.

Group scout leader Ian Skilling said: “We are so grateful for this kind donation from Bellway which helps get our fundraising campaign up-and-running.

"We know that we have a long way to go to raise and secure the funds, but with the support of the community and other businesses we think that we can achieve the ambitious target that we have set for ourselves to secure the future of this friendly scouting group for years to come.”

Sales director at Bellway, Jenny Bell, said: “With the hut so close to our Primrose Meadow development we were delighted to contribute to the scout’s fundraising drive.

"Not only will their ‘big build’ project provide them with a much higher standard of facilities for their group meetings, it will also become a great community asset.”

The 10th Warrington Scout Group is calling for other businesses to support their fundraising appeal with monetary donations or by sharing their time, skills or knowledge or even by providing building materials.

Anyone able to donate is encouraged to email Ian Skilling on ianskilling@ntlworld.com.