A SCOUT group has won a £5,000 prize that will go towards repairing its hut.

The 7th Bolton Moorland Scout Group was awarded the money after it was named one of the runners-up in the Building Futures competition.

The contest run by the Shanly Foundation and the UK Scout Association encourages groups to design their dream meeting place with the chance of winning £100,000 to build it.

The Bolton Scouting group submitted plans that would improve its current meeting place at the Scout Hut in Seymour Road, Astley Bridge, which is in need of waterproofing and repairs to the external timber fascias.

John Smalley, leader of the 7th Bolton Moorland Scout Group, said: “We are over the moon — our headquarters have been in a sorry state for some time and £5,000 is going to go a long way towards the repairs.”

Michael Shanly, chairman of the Shanly Foundation and former Scout, said: “We were overwhelmed with the number and the quality of submissions to the Building Futures competition — we had some really tough decisions to make.

“The interest in the initiative shows how incredibly important meeting places are to the success and sustainability of scouting.

“These are not just buildings but a place where young people can come together to plan adventures and learn new skills, these facilities often benefit the wider community as well.

“With Building Futures we wanted to give young people the opportunity to create a space that works for their needs and ambitions — it is hoped that our donation will be an investment in the future of many scouts to come.

“We look forward to seeing how the 7th Bolton Moorland Scout Group will use their prize money to support their activities, allowing them to continue to develop these important life skills.”

For more information on the scout group, go to 7thboltonmoorlandscouts.wordpress.com