A SCOUT group has received a welcome lift to its fundraising efforts after its hut was burned down by arsonists.

The Yorkshire Bank Charitable Trust made a donation of £500 to the 6th Redcar Scout group after the group's headquarters, off Laburnum Road, Redcar, was destroyed by fire in August.

The group lost about £10,000-worth of equipment and now supporters and former members are working together to raise funds to re-equip the replacement building.

Although the building and contents were insured, members fear the contents cover will not be sufficient to replace all the lost equipment.

It is estimated it will cost up to £10,000 to clear the site, and a further £15,000 just to prepare and lay the concrete slab.

Lucy Readshaw, branch manager of Yorkshire Bank, said: "The Yorkshire Bank Charitable Trust is delighted that we have been able to support this worthwhile project. We hope that many people will benefit from this donation."

The group presented Ms Readshaw with a calendar produced by the scouts.

The parent of a former member of the group is organising a ceilidh in the Redcar Bowl on December 1. It will include dancing to the Cleveland Bays, pie and peas and a bar until 11pm.

Anyone who can help can call Andrew on 01642-504470, David on 01642-826381 or Joyce on 01642-485753.

Donations can be sent to 2 Walnut Grove, Redcar, TS10 3PQ.