A pack of Scouts has promised to do its best for the environment by unveiling a new ecologically-sound headquarters today.

Members of the 10th Harpenden Scout group and Harpenden Explorer Scouts celebrated the opening of their new base at Crabtree Fields in Waldegrave Park at 2pm.

The new energy-efficient building containing a carbon-neutral water and heating system as well as a green boiler will replace the previous Scout hut, which had fallen into disrepair.

The new hut will provide Scouts with bigger and better facilities, including a large meeting room, toilets which cater for those with disabilities, storage areas for camping equipment and more props for the annual gang show.

The project, costing in the region of £350,000, has been well supported by environmental trusts. Christmas tree carrying, a wine-tasting event and a summer ball, organised by the Scouts themselves, also managed to raise an impressive £50,000 towards the scheme.

Speaking about the work, project manager and Scout leader Jonathan Finch said: "It’s great to see the results of our hard work and to create a permanent base for the young people.

"Only a few years ago the project was a distant dream, but with a lot of hard work and a bit of luck we have created new headquarters that we are really proud of."

Judy Whyman, group Scout leader of the 10th Harpenden Scout Group, added: "The new building has allowed us to offer Scouting to more young people. Scouting is really growing in Harpenden, showing us all that it really has a place in today’s world."