THE flood recovery minister has praised Darton's community and charity groups this week after meeting them to hear how they benefited from a flood disaster fund.

John Healey, MP for Wentworth, met representatives from the South Yorkshire Community Foundation which set up the fund. He said: "The fund's work collecting donations and distributing support has made a huge difference to flood victims and their communities.

"It has shown compassion, creativity and a commitment to help out those unfortunate enough to be hit by floods."

The foundation's chief, Pauline Grice, introduced Mr Healey to some of the villages worst-hit community groups and charities who have received grants from the flood disaster relief fund which has raised nearly £1.6m.

Mr Healey spoke with Stuart Bennett, treasurer for the Darby and Joan and Darton scouts' leader Mel Hirst, whose buildings were devastated. Mel told Mr Healey about the scouts' plight and how they have been using a temporary meeting place for the last year until repairs are finished to their own building.

He says the £2,000 they received from the relief fund has gone towards repairing the hut, on Church Street, and he is hoping to have the scouts back at base in about six weeks.

He added: "The floor was damaged beyond repair and we had to totally rip up the floor covering, floorboards and joists. Then, because of the standing water, we've had to replace the electrics, central heating, cupboards, cooker, filing cabinets - you name it. We've still got to redecorate inside and we're relying entirely on volunteer help to get it all done."

All the repairs have been paid for by grants from the South Yorkshire Community Fund and donations made by the people in the community with the work being carried out by scout members, friends and family."