STAMBERMILL St Marks Scout Group celebrated its centenary and the long-awaited official opening of new headquarters with a visit from one of the country's top scouts.

Wayne Bullpitt - the UK Chief Commissioner for The Scout Association - joined in the celebrations which members of the long-running scout group have been planning for more than 12 months.

After journeying up from Guernsey to the Black Country - Wayne, who became the first ever UK Chief Commissioner in 2009 when TV adventurer Bear Grylls was appointed Chief Scout, enjoyed a meal at The Copthorne Hotel, Brierley Hill, with past and present members of the Lye-based scout group on Saturday March 22.

And on Sunday (March 23) he unveiled a plaque at the group's new HQ in Timmis Road industrial estate.

The scout group moved from its old wooden hut in Bagley Street to the new base in 2012 but members decided to put the official opening on hold so they could celebrate the move and the 100th anniversary in one.

Martin Homer, chairman of Stambermill St Marks Scout Group, said: "It was an absolutely fantastic weekend. We couldn't have wished for anything to go any better. Millers old and new came from across the country."

Stourbridge MP Margot James also attended the event on Sunday and Lye vicar Rev Simon Falshaw conducted a dedication service for the 70-strong scout group which also comprises cubs and beavers clubs.

Ms James said: "It was a great atmosphere at the opening, exactly one hundred years to the day since the group was formed.

"And I pay tribute to the adults who give their time to ensure the scouting opportunities they enjoyed as young people are enhanced and passed on to the next generation."