Christmas came early for the 4^th Ashby Scout Group in the form of a cheque for £2,000 from The Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch and Ashby Castle Rotary Club.

Each contributed £500 and this was marched with a grant from the Clubs' District 1070 organisation.

The money will be used to provide new security and fire-safe doors for the scouts' Donisthorpe Centre to keep the scouts safe and warm.

It follows a donation earlier this year from The Ashby Rotary Club to fund plumbing and decoration on the premises.

Margaret Hawksworth, President of Ashby Castle Rotary Club and David Barradell, past President of The Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch, visited 4^th Ashby by Waingunga Cubs last month to present the cheque and got to experience a Cubs DIY master class.

Margaret said: "In true Rotary tradition we are proud to be supporting these young people.

"I would urge them to take every opportunity to progress that the scouts' movement offers.

"That also goes for the rest of your life. It's a principle that I have followed with no regret."

Nikki Davies, Trustee and Chair of 4^th Ashby Scout Group explained: "When we moved to this Scout Centre just over two years ago, we knew that it needed upgrading to ensure our young people would be warm and safe.

"With the help of these two amazing Ashby Rotary Clubs, we are now able to future-proof the premises to ensure it is fit for purpose for years to come.

"On behalf of our young members, their families, the leaders and the Group trustees, I would like to say a huge thank you to the Ashby Rotary Clubs who have always been enormously supportive,

"Thank you also to our wonderful team for all their hard work and dedication in making this Scout Centre a safe and welcoming place to be.

"The Scout movement is run by volunteers and our team go above and beyond to deliver first-class opportunities to as many young people as possible.

"We need more helpers for this important role, so if there is anyone out there who would like to help the next generation learn life skills and have fun at the same time, do please get in touch with us."