High hopes for hut

It is hoped a scout hut will become a hive of activity in the New Year after a revamp by offenders making amends for their crimes.
The headquarters of the Twelfth Northolt Scouts, off Laughton Road, already provides a base for some other groups, but it is anticipated more will make use of the site after the repairs, painting and gardening.
The work was carried out by the Community Pay Back team who visited every Saturday since December last year. The scheme puts offenders to work as punishment for their crimes, helping worthy projects at the same time.
The Twelfth Northolt Scouts' group secretary Monica Smith said: "It needed it as nothing had been done for almost 10 years.
"It's taken an awful lot of hard work but it's much more attractive now. We're now hoping to run things like coffee mornings for the elderly or mother and toddler groups next year.
"It's going to be a real boost for the community."
As well as the police and probation service, she thanked Drayton Fencing for supplying the new railings and the fire brigade for providing fire hydrants.