MEMBERS of a homeless Scout group are watching their new headquarters take shape more than a year after their previous base was destroyed by arsonists.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from the 1st Shedfield St John the Baptist Scout Group have finally raised the £100,000 they need to build the hut on the same site in Church Road, Shedfield.

Now they have launched a final fundraising push for new equipment. Leaders hope the hut will be finished and equipped in time for a opening ceremony in about two months' time.

Committee chairman Martin Barber said that three ex-builder parents are managing the project to keep costs down.

He added: "The ground work is done, the foundations are in and even the shell has been put up already. It's watertight now too.

"We hope to have all the work completed and the building fully functional by April."

About 60 members of the group raised thousands of pounds themselves with a "hike for a hut" event, race nights and other fundraisers.

Shedfield Guides, who will also use the building, are holding an 80s disco towards the appeal in February.

Council grants and donations from local businesses and residents also boosted the coffers.

Shedfield Parish Council dug deep in order to contribute.

Vice-chairman Rosy Whiter said: "As a council we want to see the Scout hut going forward and returning to its former glory. We were very pleased to be able to help out."

Firefighters battled the blaze for four hours in October 2003, but could not save the wooden hut which was destroyed along with camping gear and kitchen utensils.

Since then the group have been using another building in Lyons Copse.