WORK on a new £375,000 scout and guide centre has been completed after years of fundraising.

Bedale Beckside was years in planning as the money was raised to finally replace the existing dilapidated scout and guide hut.

The centre has been christened with a sleepover by the Explorers, and is this week being used by scouts, guides, brownies, cubs, rainbow and beaver groups who have all moved back to the site, at the bottom of Emgate, after using the local sports club since last spring when work began on the new building. An official opening is being planned.

Bedale Beckside was one of the first charities in the area to benefit from the Armed Forces Community Covenant through nearby RAF Leeming.

The covenant puts money into local groups used by the children and families of armed forces personnel, if match funding can be provided by other groups. A grant of £159,000 was made to Bedale.

Other money has been raised by local business including R and R ice cream, Bedale Town council and Aiskew and Leeming Bar Parish Council - as well as the Scouts and Guide groups themselves.

Mayor of Bedale, Councillor Amanda Coates, said:”It is absolutely fantastic that the building is complete, it looks phenomenal.

"It is brilliant that so many children and groups will have so much pleasure in using it.

"It has been long awaited but well worth it. It’s a great asset to the town.”