Mark joined members, leaders, and volunteers of the 1st Albrighton Scout Group to celebrate the opening of its modernised Shaw Lane headquarters.

The previous Conservative government launched a fund to coincide with Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, with the aim of supporting more than 100 rural community buildings with capital improvements.

Earlier this year, the 1st Albrighton Scout Group was awarded a grant from that Platinum Jubilee fund to upgrade its headquarters.

They are a growing, mixed sex group which provides weekly activities for young people aged 4-18. The Group was founded in 1939 and moved to its current Shaw Lane location in the 1960s. Before the recent works, most of the building’s facilities dated from that time.

As part of the recent upgrades, the bathroom facilities have been improved and the building's old wooden windows have been replaced. Fundraising for a new roof is ongoing.

In addition to funding from the Platinum Jubilee fund, the Scout Group has received donations for the modernisation work from Albrighton Parish Council, St Mary’s Church in Albrighton, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Foyle Foundation, and Baron Davenport.

After cutting the ribbon, Mark said:

"I want to thank all the Scout leaders, volunteers and families who work tirelessly to make the 1st Albrighton Scout Group such a great place for Scouts, Cub Scouts and Beavers.

"The Albrighton Scout Den is a key hub in the local community, not just for Scouting but for all the other users and classes that take place there every week.

"I was delighted to open the new, extended facilities and meet so many young people, local sponsors of the Scouts, and the heroic team of leaders and volunteers."