ROCK legend, Robert Plant, took time out from his world tour to get behind the controls of a mechanical digger to start the building of the new Scout facilities made possible by Operation Covert.

The frontman of legendary band, Led Zeppelin, took centre stage and ceremonially dug the first trench of the project at the Rhydd Covert site where construction begins on Monday.

The 57-year-old, who is currently in the middle of a global tour promoting his latest album, The Mighty Rearranger, was keen to lend a hand because he believed the project was "very important".

He said: "When I was introduced to this scheme the thing that impressed me was the fact that it was a real community effort.

"It is really good to see local traders, organisations and individuals getting involved in something like this.

"It will give kids a chance to experience the environment. The location is absolutely amazing. Doing things like this is just my way of giving something back."

The star, whose home is at Shatterford, is keen to support the Wyre Forest community whenever he can and is patron of the Kidderminster College-based record label, MAS - Mighty Atom Smasher.

The rock legend, whose 73-date world tour will end in Wolverhampton on December 13, said he still felt a buzz when he played live.

He explained: "It is as good as ever. The profile and venues of the gigs are smaller now but playing live in front of an audience is still just as rewarding."

On the eve of helping Operation Covert, he had been delighted to be told Led Zeppelin had won the prestigious Polar Music Prize, which is likened to the Nobel Prize.

The pioneering band, whose hits include Stairway to Heaven and A Whole Lotta Love, will be presented with the award in May by the King of Sweden.

Construction of the Rhydd Covert activity centre, which is costing £142,000, is expected to be completed by next spring.

Operation Covert was launched by the Shuttle/Times and News in conjunction with Kidderminster and District Scout Council last October after vandals touched the Rhydd centre.