OKEHAMPTON scouts are calling for help from the community to raise the final cash required to build a much needed new hut.

Through their own fundraising and local contributions they have £23,000 in the pot but need another £6,000 to replace their dilapidated premises.

The 40-year-old hut behind Crediton Road is now on its last legs and scout leader Robina Owers is surprised the recent gales did not bring it down.

'In a way I wish they did — it's uninhabitable,' she said. 'The wood frame is splitting, the kitchen has fallen in and the back room where we used to do a lot of activities has been declared unsafe because the floor has rotted.'

Rain and damp has also caused damage to a lot of equipment including bell tents, worth £2,000.

Due to the state of the building, the boys have had to move out for the winter and are using the Guide hut for their weekly meetings.

Mrs Owers is hoping that after two failed lottery bids, the organisation can get the money together itself to build a new hut for the boys before next summer.

'We are nearly there,' she said. 'The lottery bids we put in were for more than £30,000 but I have got some quotes from local builders who can provide us with a new premises for around that price.'

Talks about replacing the hut started over 15 years ago but without the necessary cash, the scout group has only been able to afford patch up jobs and add-ons to keep the cost down.

The scout leader said it had been a long hard struggle to get the money together and people within the group were getting to the end of their tether.

'I have refused to take on any more boys because of the state of the hut,' she said. 'There is currently a waiting list of 12.

'With all the new housing planned for the town that list is going to grow and I am sure parents would rather their children came here than hanging about on the streets.'

Scouting in Okehampton dates back to 1911 and the leaders want to see it continue well into the future but without a new premises this is in doubt.

'We would like a bit more support from the community so we can reach the target we need,' added Mrs Owers. 'The scouts have been absolutely amazing with the different functions and fundraising events they have put on. They really deserve something better.'

The scouting organisation has prepared many youngsters, from the ages of 6 to 18, for later life by teaching them independence, teamwork and how to integrate into society as well as providing them with many fun and challenging activities.

If anyone would like to make a donation or get involved in the scouting organisation in Okehampton by becoming a leader or helper they should call Robina Owers on 01837 54161.