Disabled children will be able to use a village Scout and Guide hut for the first time thanks to National Lottery cash.

Despite the best efforts of staff, the Scout and Guide Association in Saxilby has been forced to turn away disabled children and volunteers because the 1940s building was inadequate for their needs.

Now, thanks to a £10,000 lottery grant the hub of the village's community groups will get the facelift it so desperately needs.

Group Scout Leader Neil (61) said: "We've been trying to update our HQ since the Disability Discrimination Act came in.

"We have had disabled children and one disabled leader who we have had to turn away.

"We tried other bodies without success then Sue Oliver became treasurer, went to the lottery and got it first time."

Saxilby Scouts last had the headquarters renovated in the 1970s and since then the wear and tear of energetic children has taken its toll on the building, which is used six evenings a week by different groups.

The money will not only mean access for disabled youngsters but will also let the leaders change the interior layout, improve the electrics and fix the leaky roof.

Group treasurer Susan Oliver (51), who has two children in the Beaver group, said: "It is in a terrible state but the money will hopefully go a long way."

The money comes from Awards for All, a small grants scheme administered by the Big Lottery Fund which makes awards of between £300 and £10,000 to grass-roots community groups and voluntary organisations.

For more on the lottery cash awarded to Saxilby Scout and Guide Association, see Friday's Echo.