CUBS and Scouts from the 1st Winchester group put their creative talents to the test on Saturday, sculpting a two-dimensional image of King Alfred in the High Street.

The sketch was laid out on the pavement and shoppers and visitors were invited to donate coins to enhance the image and enrich the Mayor’s charity fund.

The 1st Winchester Scout Group is one of four charities supported by the Mayor Eileen Berry for fund-raising to re-develop their hut in Fleming Road, Weeke.

“The Cubs and the Scouts will be busy all this year,” said David Kesby, Chairman of the Scout Executive Committee.

“They enjoy everything to do with scouting and are working hard to raise £250,000. Any help we receive from the Mayor’s Charity Appeal will be very welcome and go towards improvements to parts of the building we haven’t yet started.”

The mayor said: “The Scouts did a really good job and are very supportive. Not only did they collect almost £750 for the Mayor’s charities at the Buttercross but they accompanied me along the market stalls in the High Street and outside the Brooks Centre where the traders were extremely generous and donated a further £100.”

The fundraising continues this weekend when Otterbourne Flower and Gardening Club stage a Flower Festival at Abbey House, the official residence of the Mayor of Winchester. It will open on Friday, July 25 and run through until Sunday in aid of the Mayor's charities; the 1st Winchester Scouts, Blue Apple Theatre Group, SSAFA and Together.