A SCOUT group has received a £2,500 grant to build a steel fence around its hut after a spate of vandalism.

The First Worcester Scout Group has been powerless to stop repeat attacks on its hut in St Peter's that have been happening for about two years. After becoming sick and tired of windows being smashed by bricks and lumps of concrete, the group decided to step up security to stop the vandals in their tracks by building a 1.8m-high steel fence around the premises.

After being quoted £4,800 for the work, the group appealed for help from St Peter's Parish Council, which dug deep to provide £2,500 towards the cost. Scout leader Brian Jenkins said: "We are absolutely over the moon with the news. It's really appreciated and will allow us to get the matter sorted out now.

"When you get a little bit of vandalism you lose a bit of heart, but when you get grants like this it bucks you up a bit."

Mr Jenkins described the vandalism, which has cost up to £700 a time to repair, as soul destroying. "It's a lot of money, but is something we have got to do to keep the children safe," he added. With funds saved by the group and the grant, the fence will be up as soon as possible. The hut provides a meeting point for the 90-strong group, made up of six to 14-year-olds from around the parish, as well as for Explorer Scouts from all over the city, Girl Guides and Brownies. Without the grant, the group was at risk of having its insurance cover ended and its funds depleted. If anyone has information they should call Worcester Police on 08457 444888 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.