AMBITIOUS scout leaders in Kidderminster are launching a major appeal to raise funds to help enhance its facilities.

Kidderminster and District Scouts Association’s Rhydd Next Generation Appeal is looking for £110,000 to add a 22-bed dormitory and indoor activity facility to its headquarters.

Britain’s most successful Paralympic swimmer and famous Kidderminster son Chris Holmes will be the special guest at the launch for the appeal on Saturday (April 8) at the scout’s Rhydd Covert base.

Lord Holmes, sponsors, would-be sponsors and the general public will be able to hear about the new plans and enjoy demonstrations of activities such as archery, rifle shooting grass karting and abseiling during the event from 11am to 3pm.

The new dormitory will provide 22 beds and create space for more indoor activities and training. The extension will ensure children with non-scout community groups, who have restrictions on camping, have somewhere to stay overnight while using Rhydd.

Rhydd was opened in 2006 following a successful appeal, backed by The Shuttle, to raise £140,000. It is owned by the Association and the 45-acre woodland site is situated between Kidderminster and Bewdley.

Appeal chairman Mike Thompson said: “Our Scout movement is rightly renowned for encouraging young people to develop their full potential and we are proud of the role Rhydd Covert and its activity centre play in this.

“Our aim is to enhance the facilities and open up extra opportunities for more boys and girls from wider age groups to enjoy learning new life skills in a fun and safe environment.

“They learn the value of teamwork, leadership, initiative and self-motivation, and these skills help them to develop the confidence they need to meet the challenges of 21st century life that await them.

“We believe fun is the key word – and all community groups working with children, not just Scouts and Guides, are welcome here.”

He added: “We really do believe the Rhydd experience provides young people with some vital building blocks for their adult lives, enabling them to become valuable members of our communities.

“The appeal is an exciting and bold venture for us and we are up to the challenge of raising such a large sum of money to realise our ambitions. But we are asking the community to join with us to create this legacy for the next generation of Wyre Forest’s young people.

“Fund-raising has already started and we hope as many groups and individuals as possible will support us in any way they can to help us reach our goal.”

Anyone wishing to support the appeal can contact Mr Thompson on 01299 250643, appeal committee member Clive Joyce on 07756 766829.