OUR appeal has been given a major boost from Rhydd Covert neighbours, West Midland Safari Park.

Bosses at the major tourist attraction have pledged to donate £1 to Operation Covert for every Scout who visits the park this season.

Youngsters have also been offered a major discount for trips to the park, which is next to Rhydd Covert, the site of the proposed new Scout centre in Kidderminster Road.

Corporate development officer, Daniel Griffiths, said: "We saw the article in the Kidderminster Shuttle when the place was damaged and our managing director said we should do something because he believes in supporting the local community.

"We support as many suppliers as we can in Worcestershire and this is another one of those things where we get something from it and the Scouts also get something from it."

Scouts need to be in uniform and can make use of the offer when visiting with or without their groups, he said.

Rhydd Covert site warden, Mark Woodward, said the offer was a major boost to Operation Covert, which has so far raised more than £20,000.

He added: "It is great that our neighbours are supporting us. We work closely with the safari park so it is a continuation of that strong relationship.

"The safari park have always been very supportive anyway and this could potentially be a lot of money for Operation Covert."

Shuttle/Times and News editor, Clive Joyce, said: "It is an imaginative way of supporting our appeal and we hope the safari park gets plenty of support.

"We also hope that more businesses will follow their lead and help Operation Covert to reach its target as soon as possible."

The safari park opened for the season last month. It runs until November and recent attractions include a family of white tigers and a walk-through cave occupied by free-flying bats.

l Bewdley Town Council has given the thumbs up to plans for the new Scout centre.

Members of the town council's planning committee gave their support to the single storey centre bid at Rhydd Covert at its monthly meeting on Monday.

Councillor Max Keen said "good luck to them" and Councillor Nigel Knowles said "we wish them well".

Wyre Forest District Council has the final say on the application, put forward by Kidderminster & District Scout Council.