AFTER five hard years of tireless fundraising the dream of a new headquarters for Burley Scouts and Guides is about to become a reality.

The new building in Peel Place, Burley-in-Wharfedale is due to be completed in the next few weeks.

It features two large meeting rooms, each with its own kitchen and breakout space. With over 350 youngsters using the building each week it is a superb facility for the young people of Burley-in-Wharfedale now and in the future..

Guide leader Sue Vine said the Scout & Guide Group were extremely grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community.

“We would like to thank all the local people who donated or raised funds to make this possible,” she said. “We are having the official opening of the new Burley Scout & Guide Headquarters on Saturday, September 28 and this will be followed by ‘open house’ from 3.30pm to 6pm for anyone to come look round, and enjoy tea and cakes.”

“We are amazed that so many people have helped us over the last five years by raising money and supporting us in so many ways. Much of the money has been raised by hard fundraising and by local community and individual donations. We want to thank everyone who has helped us however small by inviting them into our HQ so we can say a very big thank you for all their support. Everyone is most welcome.”

She added: “We still have around £27,000 to raise but with continuing fundraising - running the village bonfire and fireworks night, Santa sleigh and taking part in local events, we will manage to raise the remaining amount.

“Leaders are delighted that Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Guides, Scouts, Rangers and Explorers have now started meeting in the new building and are thrilled with their new home. With more space we have already opened another Brownie unit and hope to open more units in the future. We would welcome any new volunteers to help run a unit.”

Visit burleyscoutsandguides.org.uk for more information.