VANDALS have wrecked a Southampton Scout group's dream of moving back into their own hut in the new year.

Thugs broke into the empty hut belonging to the 7th Southampton (Bassett) group in Vermont Close and ransacked the premises - causing damage of up to £18,000.

They smashed the group's cooker and fridge, spread tents all over the floor and daubed them with paint, wrecked computer terminals, pulled kitchen units from the walls and removed asbestos sheets from the Scout hut roof.

It is the latest blow to the 30-strong group which comprises Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, and a £250 reward has been put up for information about the incident.

Six months ago, the group was left reeling after three trees fell on top of the building - smashing in the roof and leaving them without a permanent meeting place.

Repairs to the hut's roof were due to be completed in January next year, but now Scout leaders fear it will be at least eight more months before they can finally return to their base when the latest damage has been put right.

The attack on the vacant building took place some time between November 1 and November 30. Group Scout leader Paul Betenson told the Daily Echo: "It is purely and simply vandalism. They had even tried to start a fire."

Anyone with information: call PC Spencer on 0845 045 45 45.