LAST Thursday evening saw the Grand Opening Event for the long awaited Ben Rhydding Scout and Guide Headquarters building.

The weather gods smiled on the group, after many days of cold wet weather the evening brought clear skies and warmer temperatures. This helped boost a fantastic turnout as more than 400 people enjoyed a celebrity opening ceremony followed by hog roast, a bar by The Wheatley Hotel with beer from Ilkley Brewery, a disco for the children and a local blues band for the adults. The evening came to a close with a spectacular firework display.

The evening was boosted by the presence of one hundred visiting scouts, guides and leaders from the linked Dutch De Mohicanen Group, who had spent the previous week on summer camp with the group and were being hosted by local families.

Jack Carroll, comedian and previous runner up on Britain's Got Talent was present to help cut the ribbon, along with Senior District representatives from Scouts and Guides.

Colin Williams, the Group Executive Chairman gave a speech outlining the history of the project and thanking the many individuals and organisations that had given their time, efforts and money so generously to make the project a reality.

Robin Beaumont the Scout Group Leader said: "Thank you to all the people who joined us tonight to make this event such a success, we hope they all enjoyed it as much as we have. We are delighted with the new building and trust it will serve the group's needs for many years to come, as well as being a valuable resource for the wider community."