A SCOUT group has received a grant to splash out on some camping equipment and replace its 20-year-old tents.

The 1st Topcliffe Scouts group has received £2,850 from Hambleton District Council’s Making a Difference fund to purchase new mess tents and camping equipment for its members.

The village hall where the scout groups meet was also in line for funding. Topcliffe and Asenby Village Hall committee received £2,500 from the same fund to decorate the recently renovated and extended village hall.

The £140,000 project includes a new toilet block, entrance lobby, disabled access, additional storage and totally refurbished kitchen and equipment.

Both groups have welcomed the funding.

“Whilst camping last year we realised our twenty year old tents were no longer fit for purpose,” said Alexandra Little, group committee chairman of the scouts.

“So this new camping kit will benefit all our Scouts, Beavers, Cubs and Explorers and enable them to camp and gain valuable life building skills.”

Ward Member Councillor Mark Robson, who supported the projects, added: “It is great to be able to help these community driven clubs with projects that they otherwise would not be able to afford themselves.”