YOUNG people in Norton roped in Dudley's mayor to officially open a £170,000 upgrade to their scout and guide centre.

The centre, on Kempton Way, has been open since 1972 and the wooden building, which in parts had previously been a tea room at Dudley Zoo, was in need of redevelopment.

On Saturday January 26 former members and group leaders joined some of the 100 youngsters who will be based at the new centre to see the mayor, Cllr Melvyn Mottram, unveil a plaque to mark the completion of the project.

Visitors to the ceremony tied reef knots to represent the strength and unity of the worldwide movements.

Cllr Mottram said: “The new building is modern, sustainable and spacious with up to date facilities including enhanced disabled access, improved security and even a fitted kitchen. I hope that the whole community will enjoy the new facilities and the scouts and guides flourish in their new base."

Fundraising for the project has been going on for a number of years but got a huge boost from Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust (ICET) and Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB) who contributed £125,000.

Ross Andrews, the centre's fund raising committee chairman, said: “I would like to thank all the organisations that have funded this project and the volunteers who worked very hard to raise money to make this fantastic building possible."

Guides and brownies leader, Jenny Hemmings, said: “This building is a dream come true and the hard work fundraising has paid off. All the guides and brownies are looking forward to our weekly meetings here."