AROUND 300 invited guests will get the VIP treatment at Saturday's opening of the new activity centre at Rhydd Covert thanks to the generosity of local businesses.

The Midcounties Co-operative, which has its main store at Franche in Kidderminster, has donated 60 bottles of wine to toast the new building.

Co-op spokesman Adrian Barradell said: "We are very pleased to be able to help launch the new Scouts centre with a glass of Fairtrade wine for the grown-ups.

"As a member-owned organisation we are always looking for ways that we can help and support the local community."

It is the second time the Co-op have backed Operation Covert, having donated a £500 holiday through Co-op Travel for the appeal's Christmas raffle.

Saturday's reception has been sponsored by Kidderminster catering company, Murdoch's, based at the Lion Hotel in Bromsgrove Street.

Proprietor David Murdoch said he wanted to help because his son Harry is a member of the KD8 Scout group and daughter Jessica is in Wolverley Brownies.

He said: "I have been following the appeal in the paper and have been impressed with how many businesses and individuals have been involved.

"I wondered how I could help and when I heard about the catering for the opening, I saw it as my chance to contribute. I am glad to do my bit."

The new building, plus special marquees for the opening day, will be given a party atmosphere by Balloon Decorative Services, of Kidderminster.

Alan Lauder set up the business in May after ill health forced him to give up his job as a lorry driver and is keen to support the community.

He said: "I have found there is a definite market for these decorations for wedding and birthday parties or celebrations like Saturday's Rhydd Covert opening.

" I am keen to do things for charity, particularly those involving young people so I thought it would be good to be involved in the opening of this new facility."

l Meanwhile, guests will find out all they need to know about Rhydd Covert thanks to a video presentation at Saturday's opening.

A DVD outlining the activities and history of the site has been made by Kidderminster man Ian Gowans.

Mr Gowans, an office administrator at a Worcestershire orthopaedic clinic, produces video presentations as a hobby.

As well as presenting the story of Rhydd in pictures, the presentation will chart the 20-month progress of Operation Covert with images of the appeal pages published in the Shuttle/Times & News.