Seaton Scout Group has reached a milestone in their project to create a new community scout facility.

After almost ten years of fundraising to replace the current dilapidated scout hut they can now make their vision a reality and proceed with the first phase of the new building.

The two youngest members of the scout group, six year old twin beaver scouts Kyle and Jake French, joined Alan Tinnion - assistant scout leader since 1979 in cutting the turf on the site of the new construction.

Phase one is the main amenity itself, which is now fully funded.

The scout group will continue to work towards raising the further £36,000 for the second phase, which will provide for multi-use garage space for storage of equipment, the minibus and a further dry space activity area.

Group chairman, Mike Ditchburn, said: "Seaton scouts are now moving into the 21st century with a brand new purpose built headquarters which will also be available for community use by the people of our village. A huge 'thank you' must go to Brian Hemming who has been the driving force in fund raising, without his help we would not be where we are today."

Ian Chambers, group scout leader, said: “It is great to see this project becoming a reality. So much volunteer time has gone into planning and fundraising it is pleasing to see the project come to life. I have to give a special mention to Brian Hemming who has really accelerated the funding effort over the last two years. Many hours are spent completing application forms, many of which aren’t successful. Brian has put in a sterling effort to get us where we are.”

Stobbarts Limited will construct the new facility and the scout group thanked John Stobbart, Ricky Fee and his team for working with them and said without their goodwill and support they feel they would never have reached this stage.

The building fund currently stands at £160,000 as a result of a bequest, local fundraising and grants. The group would like to raise the £36,000 necessary for phase two as soon as possible and would like the community to get involved through a ‘donate a block scheme.’ Anyone can donate an amount from £1 upwards for a building block or construction materials. If anyone can help the scouts reach their target they can contact them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SeatonScouts or through their website www.seatonscoutgroup.org.uk/about.

The present scout hut has been on the site for about 60 years and is believed to have been a hospital ward in Carlisle after the second World War.