A TOTAL of £400 has been pledged to Operation Covert by kind Wyre Forest residents since its launch seven days ago.

Donations to our appeal have flooded in to the Shuttle/Times and News offices in Blackwell Street and to Kidderminster & District Scout Council.

The appeal's ultimate goal is to raise £80,000 to replace the burnt out Scout centre at Rhydd Covert campsite near Bewdley.

Police believe the centre was torched by vandals on the afternoon of Sunday October 10.

Shuttle/Times and News editor Clive Joyce said: "We realise it is a pretty tall order to raise such a large amount but, with the early indications that people are rallying round, we feel we will achieve our aim."

District commissioner for the Scout council, Dave Denton, said: "It is so good that people in the community are actually starting to help us."

How you can help appeal

If you wish to make a donation to Operation Covert, you can:

l Call in at the Shuttle/Times and News offices in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, during normal business hours from 9am to 5pm.

l Post donations to Operation Covert, c/o Oliver Evans, Shuttle/Times and News, 6 Towers Buildings, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2DY. Please make cheques payable to Rhydd Covert Campsite.

l Post donations to Sam Rees, Rhydd Covert treasurer, 20 Wilton Avenue, Kidderminster DY11 5PR.

If you are organising an event or would like some advice on how to go about it, contact Oliver Evans at the Shuttle/Times & News on 01562 633340 or the newsdesk on 01562 633347.

Alternatively, email Oliver Evans at oliver.evans@midlands.newsquest.co.uk

Bonfire bonanza