A YORK Scout group left homeless when an arson attack destroyed their base have found new headquarters in East Yorkshire.

But members of St Chad's Greys will not face a lengthy journey to meetings, because the building is to be moved to their former home in Lorne Street, South Bank.

The disused temporary school building has already been brought from Bridlington to York, and leaders are preparing to bring in engineers and a crane to hoist the four-part structure into place.

Group Scout leader John Neale, who has worked with the 80-member group for more than 15 years, said the building, which was given to the group for free, was an excellent "short-term" solution. He said: "We had three parents who volunteered to go out there and see what they could find for the group.

"Arthur Rhodes, a former St Chad's Scout, who runs a haulage firm in York, then volunteered to bring it to York at a reduced price."

Mr Neale said: "It will put a roof over our heads and enable us to do everything in one place for the first time in ages."

The vacant land at St Chad's Church has been prepared for the building and all members of the group, who are aged between six and 25, are expected to be given the chance to prepare their new home.

Mr Neale said hopes were high that the temporary building could be installed as early as by the end of this month. He said that although the church has granted a one-year lease for the use of the site, the group would continue to search for a permanent home.

The group has been split between three locations - at St Chad's Church Hall, Southlands Methodist Church and Knavesmire primary school canteen, since a fire destroyed its former base. The Lorne Street headquarters was wrecked by the blaze in July 2001 and thousands of pounds worth of musical instruments as well as camping and games equipment were lost.

Updated: 09:14 Wednesday, January 15, 2003