KIDDERMINSTER Scouts have said a big thank you to Shuttle/Times and News readers for raising a massive £13,550 for our Operation Covert appeal in little more than two months.

Support for the appeal, to rebuild the torched Scout centre at Rhydd Covert campsite, showed the affection people had for the site, district leader, Dave Denton, said.

Mr Denton, district commissioner for Kidderminster & District Scout Council, said: "The number of people who have donated money - be it individuals, schools, organisations, or companies - reminds us of how many lives Rhydd Covert has touched in the past and this appeal will ensure that the site will continue to benefit so many more youngsters for many years to come.

"I truly believe that if individuals and companies continue to support Operation Covert we will soon reach our target and be able to build a fantastic facility fit for the future.

"On behalf of all the members of Scouting locally I would like to take this opportunity of thank the Shuttle/Times and News readers for the fantastic response we have received."

District residents were shocked by our report of the October fire and the response to Operation Covert, launched the following week, was immediate.

From all walks of life, from all over Britain, people have rallied behind the appeal. Bingo evenings, cake sales and specially produced badges and stickers bearing the Operation Covert logo are just some of the ways in which people have raised vital cash.

The deep connections Wyre Forest people have with the Scouting movement has given the appeal its massive support and this connection was no more evident than with two touching stories.

Malcolm Timmis, 61, said he was thrilled to have completed a sponsored climb up the huge Mount Snowdon less than two years after a heart by-pass.

Amid tragic circumstances, the family of 36-year-old former Guide, Suzanne Smith, collected more than £3,000 at her funeral for Operation Covert.

Suzanne died in October after her vehicle was swept away as she tried to drive across a swollen ford at Cleobury Mortimer.

The Christmas spirit kept the cash flowing into our appeal thanks to musical residents. Stourport Choral and Operatic Society raised £60 with a concert at the Queen's Head pub in Wolverley while Sytchampton Folk Dance Club raised £135 singing carols in the village.

The new year will be focussed on the ongoing campaign to raise funds for the project but will also see the first steps taken towards building a modern facility for the campsite, in Kidderminster Road near Bewdley, which is used by thousands of youngsters from throughout Britain every year.