IT was a day of celebration for 1st South Zeal Scouts last week at the official launch of their newly refurbished scout hut.

Over the last few months, more work has been taking place to improve the group's scout hut in South Tawton — the culmination of a five year project to overhaul its facilities.

The hut is the weekly meeting place of the group's beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers. The works have seen 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. The new double doors also allow disabled access for the first time.

The project has received £10,000 of lottery funding, and additional grants from the Co-op and other sources as well as the group's own fundraising efforts.

During the refurbishment of the Waitrose store in Okehampton, the chain sent builders to the scout hut to help finish the project free of charge. The builders completed a toilet and shower room, the kitchen, erected new walls, and did skimming and painting work.

Nicki Glanville said the celebratory opening was a fantastic evening with a great atmosphere.

She said: 'The new facilities will make a huge difference to us. Over the last year we have not been able to use the hut, meeting either outdoors or at various village halls in the area. To have one centre to come back to, somewhere warm and comfortable, will make a huge difference not just for the scouts but the leaders too.

'It has taken five years to get to this stage and the need for work has become more pressing as time has gone on. In the last six months, we have discovered things wrong with the hut we had no idea about so it has taken even more work than expected.

'It has cost more than we thought and our reserves are depleted and fundraising will continue but it is fantastic to have the hut back.'

1st South Zeal Scout Group provides scouting for both boys and girls alike, with beavers, cubs and scout groups for children aged six to 14. They have over 60 members.

Mid Devon Explorers, for youngsters aged 14 to 18 also meet in the hut. It provides a base for Duke of Edinburgh training weekends and Ten Tors training.

The hut will also be used for leader training, such as first aid courses, and fund raising events.

To find out more about 1st South Zeal Scouts, call Stuart and Nicki Glanville on 01837 840574 or email [email protected]">[email protected]