RAINSOUGH Scout den is one step nearer to becoming a community centre after a welcome cash boost.

The scout hut, which is home to 19th Prestwich Scout Group on the corner of Rainsough Brow and Kersal Road, has been awarded £4,137 for essential repairs.

As reported in the Guide, the rundown building was in desperate need of refurbishment and Rainsough Tenants and Residents' Association wanted to encourage the community to make better use of the premises.

A kick start grant from Prestwich Area Board enabled the building to be treated for dry rot and supporters sought grants from other sources to carry out further work.

The area board has now increased its initial grant of £1,500 to £3,000 and the remaining £2,637 has come from St Paul's Church, Kersal and St Andrew's Church, Carr Clough.

Chairman of the community centre steering committee, Alan Saunders, said: "This grant shows the fantastic commitment of the Church and Prestwich Area Board towards Rainsough Community Centre. It is a major step forward."

Mr Saunders said the money meant that while scaffolding was still in place for the dry rot treatment, extra work could be carried out to the flat roof of the tower.