TOGETHER we've cracked it! Operation Covert has hit its £80,000 target and the new young people's activity centre at Rhydd Covert will open in three weeks.

Two organisations came forward with substantial donations this week to cover the remaining £10,000 needed to reach our goal.

Kidderminster and District Youth Trust and West Midland Safari Park each presented cheques for £5,000 to back the appeal for the second time.

The donation from the youth trust takes its contribution to £15,000, making it the biggest single contributor to the fund.

It originally gave £10,000 last September to push the Shuttle/Times & News appeal past the £50,000 milestone.

The safari park, sited alongside Rhydd Covert, also backed the appeal last autumn with a donation of £500 and gave admission passes worth £3,500 to be used for raffles and auctions.

Shuttle/Times & News editor, Clive Joyce, said: "These two organisations had already played a significant part in the success of Operation Covert and we are extremely grateful to them for backing us so generously again.

"It means the appeal has achieved its aim in double-quick time. We have been overwhelmed by the support of so many groups and individuals and this underlines the strength of Wyre Forest's community spirit."

Rhydd Covert, owned by Kidderminster and District Scout Council, has been an important facility for generations of children, enabling them to learn new skills in a safe outdoor environment.

Peter Picken, a trustee of the youth trust, said: "Over the years we have been able to

support Scouting in so many ways - with items such as equipment and transport - and we are delighted to be involved with this important facility.

"Our objective is to give a helping hand to people between the ages of eight and 25 and Rhydd Covert fits our criteria perfectly. Thousands of young people are going to get the benefit of this new centre.

"The centre helps them learn skills that will be invaluable for their adult lives and we are pleased to be able to do our bit to see the project come to fruition."

He added: "The building is just what is needed. Scouting is all about experiences and young people will have a purpose-built centre which perfectly complements its surroundings and the rest of the site."

Darren Chorley, the safari park's director of operations, said: "We are delighted to be associated with Operation Covert. The Scouts have worked hard to raise funds and the local support for this project has been excellent.

"We are sure that this new centre will bring great pleasure and enjoyment to all those that use it in the future".

Operation Covert has taken just 20 months to reach its target after the activity centre was torched by vandals in October 2004. The appeal has raised almost £1,000 a week since then.

A donation of £60,000 from Kidderminster & District Scout Council following the sale of the John Stretton Memorial Hall cemented the success of the £140,000 project.

The new centre will be officially opened by Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, on Saturday, July 15.

He will cut the ribbon in a ceremony involving a Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer to emphasise that the centre is a legacy to Wyre Forest's next generation of young people.