THINGS are looking up for members of an Atherton scout group after a 'double-scoop' of funding has given them a new-look home and a mountain to climb!

The 1st Atherton Scout group got its first cash boost courtesy of the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB5 Atherton Building Communities) to give the scout hut a complete makeover.

The HQ on Car Bank Street, Hag Fold, has seen a whole host of improvements from disabled access to new carpets, toilets, dcor, and fire escapes.There were also new lights and smoke alarms and enough left over to even repair the roof.

All the scouts sections, the toddlers' playgroup and martial arts club that use the hut have benefited from the upgrade.

Scout leader Roger Smith said: "The refurbishment has made the building a much brighter and more attractive place for all the young people using the facilities."

The second wedge of SRB5 funding will send the scouts up-the-wall, because the group will soon take delivery of its own mobile climbing tower.

Roger said: "This should be a real winner with all our scout sections and more besides. We have already had a number of calls from different clubs and organisations wanting to know if they can use it when it arrives, so it is very exciting."

To celebrate the changes, the 1st Atherton group hopes to find out a little more about its past. The group would like to hear from old boys and girls and especially past leaders, who could help them gather information on the club's history.

If you were once a member of the 1st Atherton Scouts then please contact

Roger on 07763 143544 or Steve on 07812 994943.