AN appeal has been launched to help Chudleigh Scout Group raise more than £50,000 for a new Scout hut.

Daren Lemarquand, representing the group, told the town council's monthly meeting on Monday that the current building was 50 years old and built to reflect the population of the town when it was originally put up.

The old hut was now leaking and crumbling and, with the group attracting 120 youngsters weekly, it was not big enough.

Mr Lemarquand said each week the Scouts were taught life skills.

'We try to build teams and not gangs. We go back to 1913 when we helped with ambulance crews.

'All the leaders are volunteers, but we do need some financial help for the building. We have match funding and we hope the council can help,' he added.

Town council chairman Cllr Chris Webb said every member was behind helping the Scouts and that the matter would go to committee to see what help could be given.

Later in the meeting the area's Devon County Council representative, Cllr Jerry Brook, said the Scout movement, like the youth movement, did sterling work.

'It is not just something to do. It gives the youngsters purpose,' he said.

Cllr Brook said getting financial help was made easier by a good business plan.

'Bring a plan to me and I will see what I can do to find some more of that cash,' he told the group.