A thriving Scout group has a completely revamped centre and improved facilities after six years of hard work and fundraising.

The final phase of refurbishments costing £26,000 has been completed at the building in Golf Green Road, Jaywick, which belongs to 11th Clacton (Jaywick) Scout Group.

And on Saturday the centre was officially re-opened by Bill Cockcroft, Chief Commissioner of Scouts in England.

He was accompanied by County Commissioner Barry Cousins, who planted a tree to mark the occasion, and Field Commissioner Simon Aulton.

A plaque to commemorate the event was unveiled by the youngest Beaver Scout Danny Witherspoon - with help from Mr Cockcroft.

All the cash needed for the work has come from grants and donations. Children in Need handed over £11,000 towards the extension, which includes a store and leader's den.

John Baker, chairman of the group, said it had been a major project but there was now an excellent centre for the community.

"When we came in six years ago the group was in debt and the building was in a terrible state," he said.

"Now we do not owe a penny to anyone and have a centre to be proud of with a concreted car park, landscaping and all the facilities."

Mr Baker and his wife, Joan, were thanked for all their hard work and Mrs Baker was presented with a bouquet by Emily Izzard at the ceremony.

Emily received the Scout of the Year shield from Mr Cockcroft.

A lot of the work at the centre was carried out by District Commissioner Ron Talbot and Ian Jay while Geoff Hutton did all the painting and decoration.

The group has 35 Scouts, 18 Cubs and 22 Beavers, and the building is also used by a karate club and a band.

It originally started up about 30 years ago at Bockings Elm in Clacton but then moved to the Methodist Church at Jaywick before taking over the building in Golf Green Road.

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