A PROJECT to regenerate a Scout hall is gathering pace after raising �60,000.

Stowmarket 1st and 3rd Scout Group held a fundraising fete on Saturday to tell people about their target of nearly �140,000.

The fete, which was held outside Stowmarket Town Council offices, raised more than �750.

Group Scout leader Martyn Bonner said: “The fete was a fantastic day, we had about 15 stalls. It was quite a communal day – it was well spirited.

“We had the hall open because to date we have done quite a bit of work internally. We have not done anything on the outside, although we have ordered a new roof.

Mr Bonner added: “Work on the roof should start in two weeks and people will then be able to see the project in action.

“Before Saturday people would not have known the difference. Hopefully the fete has generated a bit more interest in the project.

“We had hoped to have completed the project by the end of the year but I think that was a little bit optimistic in terms of donations and grants.”

In the last month �30,000 has been raised for the hall which, when completed, will support 80 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Before the refurbishment there was a number community groups which used the centre.

Mr Bonner is hoping they will return and start using the facility when the work is completed by next summer at the latest.

The Scouts raised more than �700 when they pulled an Apache helicopter at Wattisham Airfield earlier in the year.