Instead of a ribbon to unveil a new scout hut, MP Stephen Hammond had to wrestle with a reef knot to the delight of the young audience.

Mr Hammond joined 150 guests at the opening of the 19th Wimbledon Phoenix 2 scout hut in Cottenham Park Road, Raynes Park.

The £450,000 headquarters will provide a new venue for scouting fun and adventure for young people aged six to 18-years-old.

Wimbledon Times:

MP Stephen Hammond officially opening the hut

The facilities, including a large hall and meeting rooms, are available for community use.

Chairman Richard Bowyer: said, "Young people need scouting today more than ever and at last the 19th Wimbledon has the HQ building it deserves.

"Our new site and buildings are everything we had dreamed of and we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us with this fantastic achievement."

Work began on the site at the corner of the former Atkinson Morley Hospital in May this year.

The former hut had been built as a temporary solution in 1988 after the hut before that had been destroyed in an arson attack.

Funding for the project came from a variety of contributions, including the Scout Association, the Veolia Environmental Trust and from Merton Council in relation to the Atkinson Morley Hospital development.

In addition, the young scouts raised about £20,000 through race nights, sponsored walks, cake sales and a buy-a brick scheme that itself raised more than £10,000.

The guests enjoyed a tour of the new building at the event on Saturday, November 8.