BIG-HEARTED Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have given a £1,000 boost to a fundraising drive to create a pump track in Homer Hill Park in memory of a dedicated local councillor.

Youngsters from 2nd Cradley (St Peters) Scouts have been raising money for the project in honour of Councillor Richard Body who died suddenly on May 9 just days after launching the fundraising campaign for the pump track.

Community-minded Cllr Body had only just announced that a 2.5k sponsored walking/running challenge would be held in the park on June 24 when he passed away unexpectedly.

The Friends of the Park group decided to go ahead with it, despite the sad circumstances, and continue the campaign as a tribute to Richard, who was chairman of the Friends.

Curtis Gerrard, group scout leader for 2nd Cradley (St Peters) Scouts, said: “We had a great day.

“Beavers, Cubs and Scouts took part in the challenge and got sponsor money, we also did some marshmallow toasting, soft archery and glitter tattoos all for the public. This was all in memory of Richard Body and his efforts over the years.”

The money was handed over to the Friends of Homer Hill Park at a presentation evening on Tuesday August 15.

More than £2,500 of the £5,000 target has now been donated to the JustGiving page set up for the fundraising drive.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Richard can do so by searching Homer Hill Park on the online donation page.

The 2nd Cradley Scout HQ, based in Foxcote Lane, Halesowen, offers scouting opportunities for more than 200 young people from across the Halesowen area and is currently seeking more leaders.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the group by calling 01384 412053, emailing Curtis Gerrard at curtis@2ndcradleyscoutgroup.co.uk or visiting website 2ndcradleyscoutgroup.co.uk