Councillors voted to give the project £20,000 to help complete interior work – but more leaders and help to kit it out are still needed.

The cheque was presented to the 4th Melton Scouts, Cubs and Beavers by Councillor Pam Posnett, lead member for young people, and Young Mayor Vas Mohankumar.

It was the first time the Scouts had seen their new home, at the rear of the Wilton Road car park. It should be ready for them around Easter time.

Edward Maxfield (12) said: "The old hut was really cold and damp but the new one is modern and it's warm and spacious inside. I'm so looking forward to getting back here and doing more water based activities."

The hut comprises a canoe and tent store, meeting room, tea room, main hall with storage areas, boys and girls changing rooms and a disabled toilet.

The Scouts hope to improve the slipway to the river, double their fleet of kayaks and canoes and create a lit footpath from the car park to the hut at a combined cost of a further £7,000.

Group chairman Derek Fraser said: "We already have about 130 Scouts in six packs but there's a waiting list and we really need more leaders to come forward so we can operate five nights a week.

"In the past potential leaders may have been put off when they saw the old hut but that's no longer the case and thanks to the council we can now complete this exciting project.

"The hut will double up as a water activities centre for youth clubs, Scouts, Guides and groups camping at Holwell and there is potential for additional community use during the daytime."

* For more on this story and details of how you can support the appeal see this Thursday's Melton Times.