Visitors to the river Deben in Suffolk have the chance to explore the sights by taking a river cruise- and help raise money for a new £400,000 scout hut.

5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts are organising boat trips over the Easter weekend to contribute to the fundraising goal, with potentially more planned for the coronation weekend for King Charles III on May 6 and 7 and other Bank Holiday weekends.

Troop leader Barrie Hayter said participants could choose where they wanted to visit along the river, including Waldringfield and Melton, in return for a donation to help fund the new scout HQ.

READ MORE: Suffolk: Work starts on extension for Woodbridge scouts

The scouts will be crewing the power boats used for the cruises and have provided suggested donations, which include £40 for 30 minutes and £60 for an hour.

Mr Hayter added: "Assuming they are successful we will look to do them again over the Coronation and other bank holiday weekends.  

"We will be operating for two hours daily (one-and-a-half hours before high tide and 30 minutes after).

READ MORE: Suffolk scouts' need £400,000 for new hut

"Should anyone want a special trip out for anniversary or weddings then get in contact and we can see if we can help on other weekends."

So far, £70,000 has been raised for the hut, while the troop has £40,000 in reserves and fundraising is actively taking place for the remainder of the money.

East Anglian Daily Times: The ground breaking for the new scout hut at 5th Woodbridge Sea ScoutsThe ground breaking for the new scout hut at 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts (Image: Barrie Hayter/5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts)

Other events planned include the whole troop rowing the length of the Deben on May 14, to the mouth of the river and back, with the 70 members taking it in turns to row the 20 miles.

On June 18, a barbecue and river trips are planned as part of the Woodbridge Riverside Regatta.

READ MORE: Everyone on the water together to mark scouts' 50th birthday

The extended hut will allow the troop to open more groups and take some of the 180 young people on the waiting list into the group, which already has about 180 young people involved.

To donate to the scout hut appeal, email Mr Hayter at Gsl@5wss.org.uk 

READ MORE: Suffolk news