Polar explorer Ben Saunders will open the brand new headquarters of the 9th Harpenden Scout Group on Sunday.

Ben will join the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers that meet at the hall, as well as representatives of funders, users and partner organisations, to open the new facilities at 2pm.

The new £275,000 HQ is a fully-accessible building, which boasts a larger internal area for storage space, disabled toilets and a mezzanine floor to allow for a specific room for the youth members.

There is also a large room for community groups to use for events, activities and meetings. 

Elisabeth Grover, Group Scout Leader said: "It is great to see our wonderful new building complete. It has been a lot of work but now we now have a focus for Scouting and community events and activities in the town. A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped make it happen."

The project was funding by Summary Ltd, Harpenden Building Society, Harpenden Trust and The Veolia Environmental Trust, who awarded £50,000 through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The Scouts also raised a large amount of money themselves through fundraising events such as their popular family Annual Fireworks Display.

The old building was used every week for Scouting activities by around 150 young people between the ages of six to17 years.

It was also used by an art group, a puppy class, children's parties and the church next door when they needed equipment and larger premises.