A SCOUT hut in Weymouth will be given a £10,000 facelift thanks to a successful fundraising campaign.

Weymouth West Air Scout Group started a Crowdfunder page last month to raise funds for an extension to its home in Granby Close.

The building was first opened in 1977 but requires modernisation and is currently inaccessible to wheelchair users.

The group raised £5,000 and this was then matched by the county council. A statement from the council said: "Dorset County Council supports innovative local projects that give young people places to go and things to do, and helps them do good things for their community."

John Naylor, one of the people who run the group, said: "We have hit our fundraising target of £10,000 on Crowdfunder. We have worked very hard over the last 34 days to raise £5,000 and gather the match funding from Dorset County Council, bringing the total to £10,000.

“In 1977 no thought was given to wheelchair access to the building, it wasn't an issue, today it is. In the intervening period Scouting has become fully inclusive, but the building has not.

“Plans have been drawn up and a planning application has been submitted. Our new lease does allow wider community use of the building, which we hope this scheme will enhance.

“This is an important youth facility for the neighbourhood and needs to be made accessible to all, for today and the future.

"We would like to thank all those who have contributed to our fundraising and to the many local businesses who have generously provided prizes for our various fundraisers."

All of this money will go into the funds for the extension to the existing building at Granby Close. This will provide wheelchair access to the building, new shower and toilet facilities that are also wheelchair accessible, a meeting room, and 'breakout space' for those with sensory needs. It will also provide additional storage space for the group's camping and activity equipment.

The Scout group will continue to fundraise throughout the year as it will need a sum in the region of £100,000 to complete the project.

The Crowdfunder has now been extended until the end of February, with a stretch target of £20,000.