DESPITE two failed lottery bids and years of waiting, Okehampton Scouts can finally look forward to a new scout hut.
Work begins to the clear the site this weekend and the boys hope to be in by Christmas.
The organisation has raised £29,000 to buy the replacement building which has been the dream of group scout leader Robina Owers for almost 20 years.
The new hut will include a kitchen/diner, main hall, entrance hall, stores, lobby, toilet and disabled toilet.
Mrs Owers said the old building was in such a bad state that the scouts, cubs and beavers had to use the Guide Hut as a temporary premises. Leaks, rotten floors and freezing conditions meant the hut was unsuitable for use, especially in the winter months.
'We have waited such a long time and the excitement is just building now,' she said. 'I don't think the boys can really believe it is finally happening.'
Scout leaders were devastated when both their lottery bids were rejected but continued a high profile campaign to get the funding together themselves.
Mrs Owers said a lot of donations had come in for which she was very grateful and everybody who gave money would be invited to the opening.
'None of this would have been possible without the generosity of local people, businesses and organisations,' she said.
'There will be a bit of disruption and increased vehicle traffic during the works so we would like to apologise in advance to local residents for any inconvenience caused.'
Trainees from the Centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation in Okehampton will be helping to demolish the building and clear the site this weekend.