A HOUSEBUILDER has donated hundreds of pounds to subsidise a Scout group’s upcoming camping trips.

Redrow has donated £500 to Silver End Scouts to help fund expeditions over the next year.

The Scout group's HQ is less than a mile from Redrow's Meadow View development.

Leaders say the outings boost the mental health of their Scouts and expose them to activities which are great for physical exercise, all of which is welcome after multiple Covid-19 lockdowns.

The first camp will be a one-night stay on a farm in East Mersea, followed by a weekend in the Peak District in May where the children will have the chance to try mountain biking and climbing, as well as learning about the mining history of the area.

The final trip planned is a week in north Wales, where the group will stay at a Scout centre and take part in more extreme activities, including climbing Mount Snowdon.

Assistant Scout leader Phil Kilburn said: “This donation is fantastic.

“It will go a long way to helping us organise the camps and residentials which are an important part of the Scouts programme and another step to getting back to normal after such a rough year for the children.”

Kerry McCoubrey, of Redrow Eastern, added: “After what has been a challenging year for many families due to the Covid-19 crisis, we understand the importance of supporting these residential trips, helping to recoup the lost time and adventures that children deserve."