HUNDREDS of youngsters flocked to Rhydd Covert recently for its first major event since the fire which kickstarted Operation Covert.

About 350 children descended on the Kidderminster Road enclosure to enjoy a range of character-building activities.

It was the first major event since Rhydd Covert's Scout centre was destroyed by fire. Site warden, Mark Woodward, said the fire "has not put us off, we have to stay positive".

Tents and marquees were used as shelter now the blackened Scout centre has been sealed off, awaiting demolition to make way for the new £80,000 development we are aiming to build through Operation Covert.

Mr Woodward said: "It was the focal point of the site so we have had to manage, as we always do, with tents. It was obviously better when we had our own centre because it made the administration side of things much easier.

"We also could cook in there and it provided shelter for the children when it rained but we managed."

The weekend demonstrated more than ever the good work that Rhydd Covert did for youngsters from Wyre Forest and beyond, he said.

Scouts took part in events to gain coveted Scout badges. Activities included forestry, wall climbing, shooting, archery, cooking and crafts.

Mr Woodward said: "Rhydd Covert is about young people interacting with other young people."

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