ROYAL Engineers based at Perham Down have renovated a Goodworth Clatford scout hut.

Following the makeover, the drastically-improved hut was handed over by Major Will Turner, Commanding Officer of 52 armoured engineer squadron of 22 Engineer Regiment.

The restoration project lasted six weeks.

The event included a presentation of the squadron’s plaque as well as various first aid and field craft lessons given by soldiers.

Spokeman for the local users, Jeff Linnecar, aged 67, was delighted with the work.

He said: “I would really like everyone involved to know what they have done for all the people who use this hall.

“It’s benefited all the children who use this hut massively and they’ve put at least 20-30 years of life on this building.

“The guys have been a pleasure to work with as well. I’ve got to know them really well over the last few weeks and they are a great bunch.”

The whole project cost nearly £6,500, with £4,000 donated by Test Valley Borough Council as part of their Community Asset Fund with other contributions made by both Goodworth Clatford and Upper Clatford Parish Councils.

Waitrose donated £300 as part of their on-going charity work and there were other donations from local groups such as the Mayfair Committee, who donated £600 to the project.

52 Armoured Engineer Squadron took over the rundown hall at the end of July and have spent the last six weeks renovating the building, from installing a new electrical system to major structural work, including the fitting of a brand new roof.

The squadron are preparing to undertake a similar task in Kenya from next week and Major Turner feels this has been good preparation.

He said: “We organised this as pre-deployment training for Kenya where we will be building a bridge and several buildings similar to this.

“It has been perfect for us because it has replicated what we are going to be doing out there.

“It has also been great for the guys to use their skills and really get involved with the community.”

Captain Seb van Lochem echoed the importance of the community ties, saying: “We are freemen of Test Valley and that’s important because that’s not just about the right to parade, for example, it’s important to exercise our status in the borough by giving back to the community and this is such a worthwhile cause.”

However it was not just the engineers who were pleased with the results.

The building was near to collapse before the squadron stepped in and Group Scout Leader, June Smith, aged 72 from Berry Hill in Andover, was keen to express her thanks: “We are enormously grateful for the hard work they have put in.

“They’ve put things right that we didn’t even know we had wrong and secured our future here for many years to come.”

The two groups won’t be ending their association yet however as there are plans for the children to visit the squadron’s base in Tidworth to see some of the tanks and equipment.

The Scouts are also continuing to raise money with the hope of replacing the worn-out floors and will be running a charity bag packing service in Tesco during the run-up to Christmas.