GOUROCK scouts are celebrating a welcome cash boost after their minibus was vandalised.

The 1st Gourock Scouts were left disgusted after vandals recently smashed up their minibus last month.

The Tele told how the youngsters feared they would miss out on camping trips and other excursions as a result.

But now they've had some better news thanks to some good samaritans.

Members of Lodge Firth of Clyde Gourock No.626 were shocked by the report in the Tele and decided to make a kind donation of £400 to help the group.

David Stevenson, Right Worshipful Master, said: "When we saw the article and pictures of the minibus windows all smashed, we thought it was a disgrace, especially because it was young kids that were affected.

"It's such a good organisation for the community.

"Although the damage would have been covered with the insurance, we thought the money could perhaps pay for another trip that may have been cancelled when the bus was off the road."

The windscreen and three other windows were smashed while the bus was parked at the scout group's base in Drumshantie Road.

Police are still probing the incident.

The donation from the Masons has been warmly received by the group.

Mark Gallacher, explorer scout leader, said: "We're absolutely delighted with the contribution and help offered from them.

"The money will be used for the upkeep of the bus, especially after the damage we encountered.

"We were doing a lot of work to our hall and this was a bit of setback we didn't need at the time.

"We are very grateful for the donation."

The Lodge's Mr Stevenson, who is involved with other youth organisations locally, said: "The scouts were over the moon and couldn't thank us enough and for us to think of them in that way with the £400 donation.

"This is all part of freemasonry, to help the community."