FORDINGBRIDGE Scouts’s appeal to raise funds for vital roof repairs has received a significant boost of £10,000.

The group has received confirmation that its bid to the Big Lottery Fund has been successful meaning work can now start on the project in the summer.

An appeal was launched to initially raise about £30,000 needed to refurbish the ailing roof bit now afoot refurbish the toilets including disabled facilities.

The chairman of 1st Fordingbridge Scouts Martin Smethers said: “We have managed to secure funding to allow us to commence with phase one of the renovation work. We are however keen to keep the ball rolling and are now looking for further funding to allow us to proceed as quickly as possible with the remaining work.

“This will greatly enhance our facilities, and provide a much more comfortable environment for our activities, as well as opening up the hall for use by other community organisations within the area.”

Phase one of the project will involve removing the existing asbestos roof, which is leaking, which will be replaced with a modern structure.

The new roof is the first stage of a five year plan to upgrade the scout group’s headquarters.

The scouts have raised money for the project themselves - holding a variety of fundraising activities including bag packing, raffles and quiz nights.

Assistant scout leader Derrin Berry took to the skies in his first tandem parachute jump in February to aid the appeal, raising more than £2,500.

Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund, Deputy Director England, added: “I am delighted that the funding will help create an improved environment not just the scouts but all those in the wider community who will be able to use the facilities.

The scouts have thanked everyone who has supported its roof appeal so far and made donations.

The group is still in need of donations to help with the project. Anyone wishing to make a donation can go to fordingbridgescouts.org and follow the link to roof appeal, which goes to the group’s Just Giving page.

Alternatively, contact Martin Smethers by calling 07860 352279 to find out more about supporting the roof appeal.