A group of Hampshire Sea Scouts aiming to save their club from erosion are more than a quarter of the way to their target.

Hythe Sea Scouts launched an appeal to raise £80,000 to save their popular club seven months ago.

The group, which is home to dozens of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, is in danger of losing its base on the edge of Southampton Water due to extensive foreshore erosion which is threatening the existence of the Scout hut.

The site, in Shore Road, is owned by New Forest District Council.

It has been home to the scouts since the mid-1970s with youngsters enjoying a variety of activities including sailing, camping and orienteering.

Although the council owns the land and the building, the Scouts are responsible for the upkeep.

However, extensive erosion over years has now resulted in the Scouts issuing an SOS to raise £80,000 to fund new sea defences.

Now the appeal has been boosted with a £2,000 contribution from ExxonMobil at Fawley.

Chris Godfrey, who works at ExxonMobil Fawley and is the chairman of the fundraising committee, said: “We have had great support from the local community since launching our appeal. So far we have managed to raise £24,000, which is a fantastic sum.

“Although we still have quite a way to go to reach our target, we are making steady progress.”

The club also managed to add another £1,000 to the appeal total thanks to a sponsored cycle ride at the end of March, with cubs and scouts taking part.

Chris said: “We will have three stalls at Hythe Village Fete on Monday, May 29. These will be a “Dunk the Scout”, “Bat a Rat” and a football tombola. Please come along and support us.

“Also, there will be a race night with a bar and barbecue at the Scout hut on June 17 and, after the success of our first quiz night at The Glen pub early this year, we are planning a repeat evening there on Friday, July 7. Get a team together and come along.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the appeal can do so online at https://mydonate.bt.com/events/halttheerosion/330954