SUPPORTING Operation Covert is an open and shut case for the boss of a window firm.

Robert Brown thinks the Rhydd Covert activity centre is such a great place for young people that he is donating all the windows for the new building.

In fact, he is so keen to help out that he will be fitting them himself, saving Operation Covert a cool £2,400.

The managing director of Stourbridge Windows wants to play his part because he is an assistant leader with the St Thomas Scouts group in Stourbridge and has camped with them at Rhydd for several years.

Mr Brown, who was under canvas on the site with Stourbridge Scouts and Cubs last week, said: "It is like a second home to members of our Scout group.

"We go there three or four times a year and we always enjoy it. We think it's brilliant.

"We have a great time, taking part in the activities, cooking on open fires and living outdoors and I am delighted to be able to help."

Mr Brown, who has been involved in Scouting for about 10 years, added: "I will be asking all my suppliers to do their bit for the appeal and I will be coming over to fit the windows myself.

"It's a fantastic project and it's nice to be able to play a part and help realise the dream as soon as possible."

The donation of the uPVC timber-effect windows is the first success for our Operation Covert shopping list launched last month.

While fund-raising continues, the shopping list aims to cut the total cost of the project by asking businesses or individuals to purchase some of the £17,000 worth of items needed.

These range from a fridge (£450) and disabled toilet (£550) to items of kitchen equipment costing anything from £250 to £1,200.

Building project manager, Grace Plant, said: "This is a great start to our shopping list and is a very generous gesture by Mr Brown.

"We are hoping it will lead to other offers so that we can reduce the amount of money that needs to be raised."

A start will be made on the £142,000 building on Tuesday when rock legend neighbour, Robert Plant, cuts the first trench.

The former Led Zeppelin frontman, whose home is at Shatterford, will break off from his world tour promoting his latest album, Mighty Rearranger, to launch the next phase of Operation Covert.