THIS is the first glimpse of the new state-of-the-art Scout centre that the Shuttle/Times & News is aiming to build through our Operation Covert appeal.

Plans have been submitted for a new £80,000 facility at the Bewdley Scout camp which show a modern design to cater for the needs of youngsters from Wyre Forest and beyond.

Operation Covert was launched in October after the previous Scout centre was torched by vandals. We have already raised more than £20,000 thanks to the hard work and generosity of Wyre Forest residents.

The design is a major improvement on the previous centre, which was a simple two-room Nissen hut erected in 1972. It will be clad in timber to suit the rural surroundings and offers space for about 40 youngsters.

Rhydd Covert warden, Mark Woodward, said he was thrilled with his first sight of what would be "a superb facility for young people".

He added: "The new Scout centre will massively enhance the experiences of thousands of children."

Bewdley-based architectural designer, Grace Plant, who has drawn up the plans, said: "This is going to be an up-to-date modern building that will last the Scouts for the next 30 years."

The centre has been tailor made to suit the Scouting experience. Alongside the main hall - which will be used for sleepovers as well as activities - there are two training rooms for Scouts to learn essential skills, such as first aid.

A hatch will serve food from the kitchen to the main hall while a store room will hold tables and chairs. The centre is disabled-friendly with a disabled toilet and access for wheelchairs.

Importantly, the building will be vandal proof with few windows and fire-resistant timber, to be clad over bricks to fit into the woodland surrounding. A warden's office allows a member of staff to sleep overnight.

A vaulted ceiling and under-floor heating add extra space to the plans, which will need to be passed by members of Wyre Forest District Council.

Shuttle/Times and News editor, Clive Joyce, said: "It is marvellous to be at such an advanced stage so quickly. The community has really rallied round and we now have a vision of the future which will rise from the ashes of the original centre.

"We are now looking for a planning surveyor and quantity surveyor to join our professional team as the project moves into this exciting next phase."