SCOUTS all over the world live by the motto ‘be prepared’.

So it is no surprise that 1st Holmes Chapel Scouts are taking no chances and getting ready for more members thanks to a grant of £75,000 from WREN.

Work has already begun on a new mezzanine at their HQ in Parkway, which will allow them to accommodate more young people if the need arises.

“We’ve already got three Beavers groups, two Cubs groups and an enormous troop of Scouts to fit in,” said group Scout leader Wendy Macdonald.

“There’s development going on in Holmes Chapel, so it is quite possible we will grow further, so this extra space is really going to help us.”

The new floor, which will have disabled access, will be ready at the end of August.

It won’t just be the Scouts who will benefit. Other community groups – including the U3A, a nursery and exercise classes – will have more room to spread out.

“We are very grateful to WREN for all their support and funds, which will make a huge difference to our members and the community,” said Wendy.

WREN helps people who live close to landfill sites by awarding grants for community, conservation and heritage projects.

The Holmes Chapel project was appealing to the not-for-profit business because the centre is used by people of all ages.

Scouts will use the extra space for storage as well as a base for their weekly activities.

On Monday Wendy, who has been group leader for nine years, said high-profile support from the likes of Bear Grylls and the Duchess of Cambridge had helped boost Scout numbers in recent years.

Holmes Chapel’s numbers have grown for the past eight years, winning them awards from the association.

“We’ve made ourselves more noticeable in the community and that has also helped,” said Wendy.

For more details about joining the Scouts, or about how you can become a Scout volunteer including flexible hours, call 0844 5679508 or email gsl@holmeschapelscoutgroup.co.uk.