A GROUP of Basingstoke scouts pulled in the pounds for a host of good causes at a special concert last month.

Basingstoke West District Scouts took over The Anvil on April 25 to bring the whole scouting district together for a special event to raise money for the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner’s Charity Appeal.

Cllr Gardiner’s appeal for 2014/15 is raising money for Basingstoke Dial-a-Ride, Basingstoke Young Carers and The Basingstoke Charities.

During the two-hour extravaganza, scout members and their parents were entertained with the district’s choir as well as a range of performances from the Beavers, Scouts, Cubs, Explorers and their leaders, and raised a whopping £5,500 for the charities.

Event producer Ian Aherne said: “We are delighted with the St George Experience and the noise and energy in the theatre was amazing. We have also raised over £5,500 for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

This event has also helped us to raise the awareness of the need for additional adult volunteers in scouting.”

President of Basingstoke West District Scouts, Lady Louisa Portal, added: “I loved the buzz of anticipation as the youngsters gathered outside the Anvil waiting for their turn to come in. Theshow was so creative, inclusive and everyone was engaged at all times.”