A KIDDERMINSTER family firm with close links to Scouting has been giving valuable backing to Operation Covert by providing skips for the Rhydd Covert site during construction of the new centre.

Lawrence Skip Hire has saved the project hundreds of pounds with its delivery and collection service while clearance and building work has been progressing.

The founders of the firm, based on the Hoobrook Industrial Estate, off Worcester Road, were husband and wife, Hazel and Ron Lawrence, who were also actively involved on the Wyre Forest Scouting scene.

They set up the KD2, St Barnabas troop in Kidderminster and ran it for many years until ill health forced Mr Lawrence to stand down.

The couple's three sons, Kevin, Mark and David - who are now directors of the skip hire firm - were all Cubs and Scouts when they were boys, and the family have been keen supporters of the movement ever since.

Every year, they donate skips for work at the Rhydd Covert activity centre and also provide reclaimed rubble for making paths and recycled wood for camp fires.

Director, Kevin Lawrence, said: "We are delighted to help the Scouts whenever we can. My brothers and I used to camp at Rhydd and the activities there are fantastic for young people.

"They learn about all kinds of things, from social skills to character building."

He added: "Being in the Scouts is something you never forget and I think all children should take up Scouting because it has so many benefits."

Rhydd Covert site warden Mark Woodward said: "We are really grateful to the company for their continued support. They have backed Scouting for years and years.

"As far as Rhydd Covert is concerned, the Lawrence family are one in a million."