MEMBERS of the 1st Watchet Sea Scouts have finally been able to wave goodbye to their ageing camping equipment after being given a £1,000 grant to buy some of the latest outdoor gear.

The scouts secured the funding from the Somerset Crimebeat Trust to replace tents and equipment bought more than 20 years ago.

Although the sea scouts, as the name suggests, tend to focus more on water-based activities, members also benefit from trips on dry land.

Assistant scout leader Simon Bale said: "Sea Scouting has the same purpose and goals as any other scout troop, but puts considerable emphasis on water activities and for many years the scout group's fundraising has been directed towards the water activities.

"However, the 1st Watchet group was in need of replacement tents and cooking equipment to continue and develop their land based activities, having been using tents and equipment that they had purchased over twenty years before."

Members were presented with their grant, together with a lightweight modern tent by the High Sheriff of Somerset Sylvanna Chandler.

Photo: Steve Guscott