AN Ellesmere Port Scouts troop have been able to take a walk on the wild side thanks to a leading homebuilder funding new camping equipment.

The 8th Ellesmere Port scouts are enjoying brand new bell tents, financed through the Barratt Homes’ community initiative, the Barratt Legacy Programme, after Scout Leader Tom Cooke, successfully applied for funding.

The tents will allow the scouts, aged eight to 12, to experience camping trips with their peers which will teach them about survival skills and enable them to earn their badges.

Tom Cooke, from the 8th Ellesmere Port Scouts and Aardvark Explorer Scouts Leader, said, “This generous donation from Barratt Homes has helped us with a significant investment to our ongoing programme of equipment maintenance and improvements, they will enable us to get more young people out into the countryside to develop life skills and provide enjoyment for many years to come.

“It is great to see developers in the area contributing to the community that it operates in and all of our scouts would like to say a big thank you for their support.”

Michaela Lancaster, sales director at Barratt Homes Manchester, added, “As a renowned house builder in the area, we are very happy to be able to support the 8th Ellesmere Port Scouts with these new tents.

“We hope our donation means that young people in the area will get to learn new life skills and have fun on more outdoor adventures.”

Barratt Legacy was set up by Barratt Manchester to support and enhance the communities in which it builds homes. The purpose of the Barratt Legacy Programme is to find opportunities where it can leave a lasting legacy.

Barratt Homes Manchester is currently building a range of three and four bedroom homes at its College Gardens development on Sutton Way in Ellesmere Port.