SEA scouts at Eling went galloping along the fund-raising trail when their best-ever donkey derby raised a thumping £6,000 towards a brand new home on the outskirts of Totton.

The group is aiming to move its headquarters to the shores of the recently-created Testwood Lakes and plans are being drawn up in conjunction with Southern Water and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

With their present headquarters near the town centre land-locked, 4th New Forest North (Eling) Group Scout Leader Geoff Bullock said: "The new headquarters will give us ideal facilities with an opportunity to go afloat on the lakes, which will be particularly good for the younger boys.

"And we will still have the option of using Eling Creek when we need to."

The donkey derby itself was another rousing success, with the Scouts, leaders and members of other Scout groups in the New Forest also providing help through the district fellowship scheme.

"We also had plenty of help from Totton and Eling Town Council and from local businesses, with Pickering's Plant Hire providing a marquee, while the Totton and Eling Carnival Committee also turned up and supported the event," said Mr Bullock.