A Darlington Scout group is hoping to boost funds after wet weather scuppered its annual fete.

The 8th Darlington (Cockerton Green) Scouts usually depends on its summer fete in June for income.

But like many events this summer, the fete coincided with miserable weather and proceeds were disappointing.

The group is drawing up plans to renovate its headquarters in time for its 90th anniversary next year and launched a fundraising drive. It may need as much as £350,000 to refurbish the interior, a leaky roof and to add extra facilities.

To reach their cash target, the Scouts have planned an autumn fair indoors at their Cockerton Green headquarters, for Saturday, October 2.

Attractions will include a tombola, raffle, bric-a-brac and book stalls.

Spokeswoman Viv Robinson said: "The residents of Cockerton are invited to look around our headquarters.

"The building, which is reputed to be more than 300 years old, consists of two cottages - numbers 80 and 82 Cockerton Green. Number 82 was, until 1907, the Newton Kylo Inn. We still have one of the original wooden barrels in the cellar."

The Scouts are also trying to contact former members to join in their anniversary celebrations.

Mrs Robinson can be contacted on (01325) 356934.