Scouts celebrated the end of a huge fundraising effort with the opening of their refurbished hall.

The 30th Norwich Scout Group has spent a year raising £25,000 for a new roof on their hall on Tusting Close, off School Lane, Sprowston.

Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, above, was on hand on Friday to cut the ribbon to the hall in a ceremony attended by the Scouts and volunteers who worked on the building.

Much of the money was raised thanks to the Veolia Environmental Trust, which donated £15,000.

The remaining £10,000 needed to replace the leaking roof was raised through grants and fundraising at the Scout's annual firework display.

Treasurer Paul Goldsworthy said: 'The roof was the original from the early eighties.

'It had just deteriorated so it was leaking on a regular basis.'

Puddles gathered on the floor of the hall making it difficult for the Scouts and other community groups to use in winter.

Professionals had to be brought in to replace the roof as some asbestos was found in it.

PHOTO: SIMON FINLAY