The community pulled together to make sure a Scout and Guide hut could stay open to Dorchester's youngsters.

Members of the public, local businesses and tradesmen donated funds, materials and their time after the Scout and Guide Headquarters at Sawmills needed urgent repairs.

Scout leader Brian Newton of the Central Dorchester Scout Group said the damage was realised in June when leaders noticed the hut's gables were leaning out at an angle.

Mr Newton, who is also on the Scout and Guide Hall Management Committee, arranged for a structural engineer to inspect the hut.

"The engineer said it was safe to use but it wouldn't remain safe for long. The front was terrible. It was crumbling away. We didn't realise how dangerous it was becoming - we had to do something," Mr Newton said.

The damage was estimated to cost £7,000 to put right.

"We were worried we were going to lose it. it's is a lot of money to raise on your own," Mr Newton said.

He added it was very important to the youngsters the group looked after who ranged from aged six to 18.

"We have roughly 150 children every week using the hut. We've got beavers, two cub packs, two scouts groups, guides and brownies. I wouldn't know what to do if it shut," he said.

Mr Newton said the scout and guide units undertook various fundraising activities including car boot sales, cake sales and the local jumble trail.

However, after hearing their plight, local businesses put their weight behind the hut, giving donations to purchase the building materials.

Sam Scaffolding Dorset Limited stepped in to provide the access scaffolding and Poundbury-based builder Gavin King, who runs The King of Trades Ltd, offered up his services to complete the work.

"They said if we got it ready they would supply their labour and dismantle and rebuild the hut free of charge," said Mr Newton. "They came in Friday afternoon and by Sunday night they were done. They did a whole weekend's work for nothing which is unbelievable.

"It's absolutely wonderful. A lot of people have helped and they all took a lot of time and care to get the work done. We are really pleased," he said.

Mr Newton added donations were gratefully received from The King of Trades Ltd, Chris Cahill Ltd, AG Tree Services Ltd, AKT Roofing Ltd, Complete Contract Carpenters, Dorset Felt Roofing, D & B Mechanical Ltd, Nautilus Attraction Developments Ltd, Wessex Insulation Ltd, K Price Insulation Ltd, West Somerset Cleaning Services and XYZ Haulage Ltd.

Additional funds were also donated by the Girdlers Society of London and The Hall and Woodhouse Community Chest.