Ben Rhydding Scout and Guide Group have announced they are about to start work on rebuilding their headquarters following a fundraising campaign.

In the last year, the group has managed to secure a number of large grants from organisations such as WREN, the Garfield Weston Trust, Ilkley Parish Council, DHL and the Round Table, as well as many individual donations from local supporters.

Pam Clarke, MBE, one of the group’s leaders and Ilkley’s longest-serving Guide leader, has long held a dream of seeing the headquarters building redeveloped.

Pam, who started her guiding career in 1934 as a Brownie, said: “I am over the moon to see that we are finally going to get the headquarters rebuilt. It should prove a great resource for the many children and young people that use it each week, as well as the wider community.”

Work by Ellison Construction will start this week. The £330,000 project is due to be completed by the end of June.

Pam, who organised a farewell tea party for the old hut last month, added: “We hope to have a ‘grand opening ceremony’ in August when we are hosting our Dutch Scout and Guide guests, who visit every three years.”

To make this possible, the group has taken out a large loan from the national Scouting Association, so they would still love to hear from any individuals, businesses or organisations who would like to make a donation of whatever size. The group plan to create a special wall and roll of honour to record donations.

If you would like to make a donation or become a volunteer, there are further details on the group’s website at benrhyddingscoutsandguides.co.uk