A WANTAGE Scout District is planning an international trip thanks to a £1,000 donation from a regional housebuilder.

King Alfred District Scouts were given the money through Persimmon Homes Wessex's Community Champions scheme and are planning to go to Switzerland.

The national match-funding programme seeks to 'support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or environment for local people'.

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The group's leadership team said jointly: “We are planning to take our scouts and explorers to the Adleboden region.

“The scouts have been demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment by raising funds for the trip, which will see them tackling activities such as abseiling and tobogganing, as well as attending a night at Kandersteg where they will have the opportunity to meet others from the worldwide scouting community.

"This donation is a wonderful boost for them. They are already planning their adventure and are very grateful.”

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Persimmon is currently building Wellington Gate on the former Grove airfield. Residents have raised a number of issues with the development, including muddy roads impacting driving conditions and criticisms about build quality.

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Persimmon's regional sales and marketing director Pauline Fletcher said: “Community Champions is all about supporting the communities where we are building. King Alfred District Scouts are important to the local community in and around the area.

“Learning life skills at an early age is essential in a youngster’s development and taking part in scouting activities certainly provides that.

“We’re proud our donation is able to help the group in some way and we wish them well on their adventure to Switzerland."