The 5th Burgess Hill group at Worlds End group has vowed to continue outdoor activities for more than 60 youngsters.

But their indoor centre at Gordon Road, Burgess Hill is unusable after a blaze severely damaged the front of the building.

The scouts say only the swift response of neighbours and firefighters stopped the flames from engulfing the entire building close to the platforms of Wivelsfield Railway Station.

It was the second attack- yobs tried to start a blaze last year but it failed to ignite.

The group recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and the hut was built by founder-members.

Neighbours and a parent living near the hut spotted the blaze at about 8pm on Wednesday of last week and called the fire brigade.

Assistant scout leader James Martin , pictured clearing some of the debris, said: "It's suspected arson. The firefighters got here pretty quickly and did a good job stopping it spreading otherwise we would have had an even more serious outcome.

"It was just lucky that people smelled the smoke and rang up. We are very grateful to the residents who rang up.

"We are still looking at the damage but we have got to be looking at least 5,000 quid. We can't use the hall but we want to keep the outside activities going."

The scouts were so grateful to the neighbours that they posted a "thank you" in a message on their website.Scouts press officer Tom Hylands said: "All the hard work and commitment from all involved with the 5th Burgess Hill scouts was almost entirely done in vain when the scout hut was set on fire in a suspected arson attack.

"Due to alert neighbours and a parent living close by, the fire service was alerted almost immediately and fortunately they were able to bring the fire under control and put it out with only limited damage, with the main damage being primarily to the front of the hut and the hallway.
The group holds its annual Duck Fair on World's End Recreation Ground on July 12, which this year will be raising much needed money for the repairs needed after.

Mr Hylands said all the sections planned to continue as normal.