YOUNGSTERS from Callington Scout Group were busy helping shoppers pack their bags in Tesco at the weekend, in a mission to help raise money for improvements to the scout hut.

The fundraising bag packing saw several members, from as young as six years old, packing people's shopping in return for a donation.

The group was pleased to have raised a total of £481 from the day, which will be split between scout hut renovation funds and an end of year trip for the whole group.

Cub and Beaver leader Cheryl Stainsby said: 'It was a really good event, we raised a lot more than we expected to. The children were really good and they enjoyed themselves.'

The scout group needs several thousands of pounds to make much-needed alterations and refurbishment to the hut in New Road Car Park.

'Currently with only steps for access and a recently joined member who has mobility difficulties, the group is keen to make the hut more disabled friendly by putting in disabled access and a disabled toilet, as well as general repairs and repainting.

Cheryl said: 'Being a charity we rely a lot on donations and we haven't had a huge amount in the last couple of years.

'The disabled toilets alone will cost around £2,000. We are a quarter of the way there with fundraising at the moment and we are applying for grants and will be doing more fundraising in the future.

'We would ideally like to try to hopefully raise enough money so we can get all the work done for when we come back in September after the holidays.'

The scouts and leaders will be getting their hands dirty and doing everything they can to help with the work.

There are currently 37 members of the groups altogether who meet once a week, with the cubs and beavers having to meet together due to a shortage of scout leaders and assistant leaders.

Cheryl said if people came forward to volunteer as leaders they would be able to meet separately again.

Anyone who would like to donate time, money or services to help the scouts refurbish their hut, or anyone who would be interested in volunteering as a leader can contact Cheryl for more information on 07770797627.

l The cubs, beavers and leaders are pictured at Tesco.

Picture by James Bird