YOUNGSTERS from First Liphook Scouts are set to travel in style with a distinctive new red minibus, replacing their former bus after more than a decade of service.
The new transport cost nearly £16,000 and East Hampshire District Council gave the group a grant of £1,000 to help with the expense.
The group hopes their new 17-seat Transit van will last another 15 years, and will take hundreds of local Beavers, Cubs and Scouts on many adventures including camps, walks and regional events, after it has already been used to take Cubs to Clanfield Observatory to learn about the stars.
Group Scout leader Bryan Jackson told The Herald: “We are very pleased with our new transport and we love the bright red colour, it means we really stand out.
“Our previous minibus had given us many years of faithful service but it became difficult to get new parts and so we had to make the decision to get a new one.”
He added: “Reliable vans aren’t cheap and so we had to dig deep into the coffers to make sure we got something that would really last.
“We are very grateful to EHDC for helping us get something that we hope will last for many years to come.”
Angela Glass, EHDC councillor for Bramshott and Liphook, said : “I am delighted we were able to support such a worthwhile cause.
The 1st Liphook Scouts are a very active group that helps hundreds of youngsters learn about all sorts of things from archery, canoeing, and climbing to how to sew on a badge.
“Now they can ’Be Prepared’ for even more fun and learning with the help of their new minibus.”