AFTER five years of hard fundraising for a new headquarters the Scouts & Guides of Burley-in-Wharfedale were enormously proud to welcome all the people who had helped them to make their dream a reality at the official opening.

Over 450 people came to visit during the afternoon on September 28 to admire the building. The opening was done by the cutting of a large red ribbon by a Rainbow and an Explorer Scout from the group. Speeches of thanks to donors followed, then all the visitors went inside for a look round, ending the afternoon with tea and home made cakes.

Rainbow Leader Helen Haskins said: “It was a wonderful afternoon welcoming all our very generous donors. We are so grateful to them for what they have done to support us over the last five years, we thank everyone who has helped us.”

Over 350 young people currently attend Scout and Guide activities each week in Burley-in-Wharfedale, but there are also some 100 young people on the waiting list. Now there is the space, the group is actively encouraging new unit leaders to come forward and help run even more groups. For further information please go to the website http://www.burleyscoutsandguides.org.uk