A FESTIVE Fayre is being organised by a Darlington Scout group which needs to raise £130,000 to build a new home.

The 18th Darlington (1st Middleton St George) Scouts have been without a permanent home for more than a year after their ageing hut on Neasham Road was condemned.

Since then the youngsters have met at the village youth club, the Scout area headquarters in Widdowfield Road and at Sadberge village hall but they are desperate to have their own base once again.

The group, which caters for youngsters from six to 14 years of age, is currently in discussions for a new building to be co-owned between them and St. Laurence’s Church, Middleton-St-George.

To help them raise the money needed, they have partnered with local event management and PR company, SBW Management, to organise a series of fundraising events, beginning with a Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 6.

Ruth Morris, assistant group Scout leader, said: “Our young people need the hall back for their development and for safe meetings, with the Festive Fayre being the next in a long line of fundraising events to achieve our goal.”

Samantha Bedingfield-Weller, Managing Director of SBW, said: “The Festive Fayre is the first step on the journey and we’re looking forward to welcoming friends of the group, and members of the community to join with us, celebrate the festive season and raise these vital funds.”

The Fayre will run between 9am and 12.30pm, at Middleton-St-George Community Centre, and will include homemade cakes, cards and gifts, Santa’s grotto, and more.

All are invited to the event and entry is free.