LEADERS of a north Durham Scout group say they could be facing closure in their 75th anniversary year if they don't raise £100,000.

The 2nd Chester-le-Street Group has been under threat ever since redevelopment plans for the town were announced three years ago.

Supermarket Tesco needs the group's current site, in the former South Burns School building under the viaduct, to build its proposed store as part of the town centre redevelopment.

Bulldozers are expected to move in later this year, but in the meantime youngsters at the group have to put up with a cold, drafty building that shudders when trains pass overhead.

Fundraising efforts by staff and youngsters have pulled in £20,000 during the last two years, but the National Lottery says it cannot give them a grant until they've secured a new site.

A two-year search for a site has yet to yield anything.

Leader Carole Atkinson said: "It would be so tragic if we had to close down, especially as it's our 75th anniversary next year. We hope to be celebrating something by then.

"Chester-le-Street District Council say they are looking for a suitable site for us, but we have had nothing concrete for two years.

"We have worked out that we will need around £100,000 once we have bought the land and built the new building.

"Unfortunately, we can't get any money from the lottery until we have the land, so in the meantime, we'll have to continue our appeal for cash."

The group has a Beaver colony, two cub packs, a scout troupe and a venture scout unit that total about 120 youngsters.

The group's Gang Show is being held at the Hermitage School, from March 5 to 10.

Ticket information is available from Carole Atkinson on 0191-388 2472