A SCOUT group that provides a lifeline for a wheelchair-bound youngster received a £440 boost yesterday.

The 1st Great Lumley Scout Group was one of the 15 organisations receiving a share in the proceeds from last year's bonfire and fireworks display held at Durham police headquarters, at Aykley Heads.

The November 5 spectacular, staged by Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Brigade, attracted a record crowd of nearly 10,000 people.

Its £6,600 profits will be equally divided among the chosen beneficiaries.

One of the keenest members of Great Lumley Scouts is 11-year-old Sam Vickers.

Both he and his eight-year-old brother Ben, who is a Beaver, have muscular dystrophy.

The troop has been trying to raise funds to improve access to the scout hall and make alterations to the kitchen and toilet facilities.

Scout leader John Oughtibridge said: "The money will enable us to go ahead with these plans and make improvements which will benefit everyone, not just Sam and Ben. Their parents have both been heavily involved in scouting for many years, and are keen for the family tradition to continue.

"Sam is very determined to take part in everything and has been to camp on several occasions, but he wants no special treatment, and takes part on the same basis as everyone else.

"I am sure it will be the same when Ben joins us in a couple of years time."

Other beneficiaries from the event are Framwellgate School in Durham, Durham Developing Initiatives for Safer Communities, St Cuthbert's Hospice, North of England Children's Cancer Research, Peterlee Boys' Club, Durham Agency Against Crime, the Durham branch of Victim Support, the Peterlee's Pride Youth Project, Chester-le-Street Hard of Hearing Club, Durham Trinity School, Marie Curie Cancer Care, cerebral palsy sufferers Nicholas Cornwell and Bethany Davison, and amputee Lyndon Longhorne.