A SCOUT leader is calling for tradesmen to rally to help refurbish a 19th century building.

Dale Thompson, who runs the 1st West Craven Scout Group in Barnoldswick, is battling to bring their meeting place ‘back to life’.

The Scout building in Monkroyd Avenue has been used by the group since 1912 but has fallen into disrepair.

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The 35-year-old, who has been a member of the organisation since he was a child, aims to raise hundreds of pounds to pay for the repairs.

Mr Thompson called for tradesman to donate their time to help restore the building for free so it can establish itself in the community once again.

He said he fears the group could be lost forever if the building, which dates from the early 1800s, is not restored.

He said: “The building is in a bad way and we’ve sadly not got the funds to do the work ourselves.

“The walls need redecorating and the floors need work doing to it. We also need someone to look at the heating system.

“The Scouts have been here for more than 100 years and it would be such a huge loss for Barnoldswick if the Scout group couldn’t continue.

“It’s had such a firm standing here and there’s lots of people in the community that have been through this group.

“Parents are put off bringing their children here because of its condition.

“As a result we don’t have beaver or cub groups anymore so there’s no one filtering up the ranks. We want to change that as soon as we can.

“If we can get a warm, refurbished Scout building, we can grow and reinstate those younger age groups.

“We’re trying to raise as much money as we can, but if anyone can lend a hand and help us out for free or a little cost that would make such a difference.”

The East Lancashire Scouts recently appointed their youngest deputy chair, Oliver Cooper, 22, from Haslingden, to bring younger people into higher positions within the organisation.

Chris Taylor, East Lancashire Scouts deputy county commissioner, said: “The scouts are trying to change and adapt our skill sets to still be relevant in today’s society.

“We want to teach children important skills they can use for their entire lives.

“We still make sure half of everything we do is outdoors but we now teach about using the internet safely and other important areas.

"The Scouts are just as relevant now as they were 50 years ago.”

Visit www.facebook.com/barnoldswickscouts or www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Barnoldswick-Scouts.