A YORK scout group left devastated by an arson attack at their headquarters 18 months ago have celebrated the opening of their new home.

The St Chad's Grey Scout Group hut was gutted by a blaze in July 2001, which also destroyed thousands of pounds-worth of band instruments and other equipment.

The group, which has 80 members, was homeless for 18 months and had to meet in a local school and church hall.

But they now have a new home in the form of a temporary building which was hoisted on to a vacant piece of land next to St Chad's Church last month.

The group celebrated the opening of the new building on Friday with a visit from Chief Scout George Purdy.

Updated: 11:31 Monday, March 31, 2003