CUB SCOUTS are in seventh heaven after a York firm and a local joiner rallied round to help them repair their much-vandalised hut.

Last week the Evening Press reported how the Wheldrake pack faced a bill running into hundreds of pounds after hooligans ripped part of the felt roof off their hut in Broad Highway.

That was on top of the hundreds of pounds they were already raising to put right three earlier attacks on the hut this winter.

But today York family roofing firm, Roofs Above, were donating and installing a new fibre glass roof, guaranteed for 25 years, and a local tradesman has offered to repair the damaged doors and windows.

"It's absolutely amazing," said a very thankful Akela and pack leader, Ian Franks.

"We couldn't have afforded this. I didn't think this sort of thing happened any more. I don't know what to say.

"We have got such a generous offer. They (the vandals) won't be able to damage it (the roof) any more - they will get hurt if they do. We will have a wonderful secure shed."

He added that after the repairs, the only thing left would be painting, which the Cubs would do themselves.

Kevin Garnett, of Roofs Above at Fairway, Rawcliffe, said: "It is a way of putting something back into the community."

"When my dad read about it, he was absolutely gutted at what had happened."

Colin Garnett suggested to his three sons, all, like him, directors, that the firm should help out.

Kevin, Christopher and Jonathan Garnett, all former Cubs or Sea Scouts themselves, said yes.

The firm currently has a 12-week waiting list, but jumped the shed to the top of the queue.

"With the weather we have been having recently, it's needed," said director Kevin Garnett.

They had decided to fit a fibre- glass roof as they want the shed to be vandal-proof.

Updated: 14:21 Tuesday, March 02, 2004