A SCOUTS group which set up a pop up shop to raise its profile and show that members are prepared to work hard to raise funds for what they want, have been overwhelmed by the popularity.

1st Wigton Baden-Powell Scouts set up the shop on High Street, Wigton, five weeks ago, with a rota of parents in charge and customers who have been popping in and buying items on offer.

Group leader Julie Bryceson said: “It’s been incredible, much better than we could ever have imagined. We have sold more than 400 boxes of PG Tips, 150 boxes of pizza bases, Star Wars items, collectable Dinky and Corgi cars, bicycles, a snooker table, television cabinet, as well as the usual clothes, books and toys.

“One of the nicest things has been how kind people have been.

“We’ve had donated goods from people whose husband or wife has died, we’ve had brand new clothing with tags still on and of course, we’ve had cereal bars, protein balls from another charity that doesn’t have sufficient storage for all that they get donated.”

Over the course of the past five weeks, the Scouts have raised a total of £3,441.35 and are set to raise more thanks to Hopes Auction Company extending the length of time the Scouts can remain in the shop.

Julie added: “It looks like we will be open for another six to eight weeks, which is great and we still have donations coming in. Our next special offer will be Summit To Eat freeze dried meals, which will be on sale from Monday June 3, at half the usual price.”

The Scouts have thanked the people of Wigton who are supporting them.