A SOUTH Durham development company has helped a Scout group recruit members by paying for improvements to their hut.

The Banks group, which has offices in Tow Law and West Cornforth, has given more than £12,500 to the 19th Durham Scouts, based in Nevilles Cross, near Durham City. The cash came from Banks' Community Fund and was spent repairing the hut's roof and providing disabled access.

Also installed were toilets, pathways, a kitchen and better outside lighting.

Group leader Ian Peele has seen numbers using the hut rocket.

He said: "The difference to our members has been astonishing - our Beaver group is now at full capacity, while our Scouting levels are at their highest for many years."

Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and Cubs also use the hut, which is known as Nelson Hall.

Banks Developments and Esh Group are preparing redevelopment proposals for the nearby Elvet Waterside site, in Durham City. Mark Dowdall, the company's environment and community director, said: "The Scouting Association forms an invaluable part of any community."

The Banks Community Fund is administered by the County Durham Foundation.

Organisations looking for funding are asked to phone 0191-383-0055.