Last year the boat shed of the local sea-scouts headquarters in St Lukes Road, Forton, Gosport was severely damaged in an £30,000 arson attack that destroyed 10 canoes and two small fibreglass boats.

Members and leaders of the 5th Gosport sea scouts have shown true seafaring grit and determination not to be beaten by using canoes run by district scouting leaders, and have resumed boating at Stoke Lake, Alverstoke.

Enthusiastically the group has also set about rebuilding the fire-hit boat store and redecorating the rest of the hall, which was left smoke-damaged, to ensure it can continue to be used.

But now the group need the backing from the community, or a kind benefactor as it bids to replace its boats and get fully back on track.

Despite an insurance payout, this will still leave the sea-scouts £8,000 short.

Anyone who can help with their fund-raising should telephone committee member Bill Hyde on (023) 9258 5706 or contact Coastguard News and we will contact them on your behalf.