A COMMUNITY hub used by hundreds of people every week is set for a major renovation to secure its long term future.

The 1st Oswaldtwistle Scout Group hut in the in Straits and provides a base for 200 young people every week to enjoy scouting activities.

The building is also used by overs 60s and hosts regular exercise classes.

The scout group has received a grant of £11,525 to renovate the hut from the Lancashire Environmental Fund after a successful application.

Scout group chairman Stephen Lowe was thankful for the group for the grant which will provide a 'great boost to the community'.

The father-of-two said: "We've been living in these old portacabins sort of buildings for almost 30.

"It's absolutely freezing in there at the moment this should help everyone using it to keep warm and give them more opportunities throughout the year.

"Over the last two months we've had nine parents volunteer to help the scouts, which just shows how strong the group is in the community.

"We're really, really over the moon with the donation which should benefit the whole community.

"It should help sustain the building for years to come and help the area."

Mr Lowe, who has been involved with the group for around 10 years, said the work was about 'making the area a better place than when we got here'.

The renovations will involve a variety of work with the aim to modernise the features of the building.

New LED lights will be installed with the money which will help create a large open space.

The work will also increase the huts insulation which will reduce the overall running cost and make the building more energy efficient.

Scout group leader Mick Shackleton said: "It's brilliant, we've had a really good committee who have put the work in.

"It costs about £2,500 a year to keep the hut open.

"Lots of different groups use it every week, beavers, scouts, cubs, rainbows, guides, and that's just the uniformed organisation.

"It's definitely good news for the area that it will be improved."

Mr Shackleton said the building was originally donated to the group around 30 years ago by British Gas as a port cabin which had come to the end of its use.

The money comes from a Landfill Communities Fund grant, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary next week.

The group has been working to receive funding over recent years and previously received money from Lancashire County Council to clad the outside of the building.