A SOMERFORD Scout troop will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year in plush surroundings, thanks to a £10,000 donation.

The 20th Christchurch Scout group was given the donation by Sovereign Housing Association to modernise its Mallory Close hall.

The group has used the hall since the 1950s and now the building boasts new children’s toilets, a disabled toilet, craft kitchen and ‘Scouters Room’.

With more than 70 Cubs, Beavers and Scouts, the group plays an important role in teaching the children respect and self-confidence, and works with the community on events including the Duck Race, New Forest Marathon and Stanpit Fireworks.

Ellen Stammas, a member of Sovereign’s Dorset regional panel, said: “It was important to award funding to a group that really makes an impact on its community, especially our Sovereign residents, and that will continue to do so for years to come.

“The 20th Somerford Scout Group has been hugely influential since opening in the 1950s, taking in children from all backgrounds and helping them to learn and interact in a healthy and positive way.

“A large number of the children in Sovereign housing attend the group, so it seemed only right to invest the money in their futures,” she added.

Scout group chairman, Collin Tabor, said: “This transformation has given the whole group a lift and created a real buzz in the community, with people talking about how they can now contribute and help improve the hut.

“We have a long way to go to get the hut and surrounds up to a reasonable standard, but with the donation and the enthusiasm it has encouraged, we’re off to a good start.

“The group attracts children from different backgrounds, and they have a varied range of issues.

“If they are happy enjoying their Scouting experience then it makes all of the hard work worthwhile.”