IT has been a long road, but now Winchester Scouts are celebrating after a kind donation for their new hut.

The refurbishment of the 1st Winchester Scout hut, in Fleming Road, Weeke, has been five years in the making, and is due to finish on October 1.

On Tuesday and Wednesday (SEP 16-17) public service provider Amey built a new path to the hut, for free, as part of a community day.

Dave Kesby, chairman of the 1st Winchester Scouts, said: “I’m over the moon! It may seem like a small job but it will make a huge difference to many people in the community.

“We have never had a path, so for nearly 60 years come rain or shine we have had to traipse through the grass and bring the dirt inside.”

Mr Kesby thanked the team at Amey. He said: “Thank you so much for your hard work and taking valuable time out of your normal work to do something which will benefit the community.”

Building started in April, and the hut will be open for the scouts from October, on time and on budget, Mr Kesby said.

From January it will also be used as a pre-school.