WATCH: Appeal after Storm Frank causes thousands of pounds of damage to scout hut

Felt roof panels were ripped from the roof of the hut exposing it to heavy rain which flooded a meeting room.

Volunteers from 1st Bromley-Pensnett Scout group have been mopping out water.

The hut was closed during the Christmas break and volunteers arrived late last week to find the damage.

Water has seeped through the plywood ceiling damaging walls where artwork had been displayed.

Volunteers fear more rain in the coming days will result in lasting damage to the ceiling and floor unless repairs are carried out. Insurance assessors are due to visit the hut in Pensnett this week to view the damage. But with heavy rain forecast group officials say time is of the essence to get temporary works done.

Up to 200 people use the hut for scout group sessions and it is also hired out for weekly bingo meetings and public gatherings. The scout group will now be forced to hold activities outside this week.

Scout group leader Neil Heath, aged 46, said everyone has been hit hard by the damage to the hut.

"We are absolutely gutted, especially for the kids," said Mr Heath, a father-of-two, who runs the group with wife Angela.

"A couple of the kids went home crying after they saw it."

The group is appealing for local traders to help temporarily seal the roof to protect it from the elements. A fundraising campaign is under way to help pay towards the costs of the damage, thought to run into the thousands of pounds.

The hut was due to mark its 50th anniversary next year and Mr Heath, who works as a driver, said generations of children have used it over the years.

Anyone who can help is asked to call 07518 842873 or visit Facebook and search Save 1st Bromley Pensnett Scout Group.

Last week Storm Frank took its toll on a West Bromwich graveyard – as broken branches of a felled tree landed across graves. The extent of the damage will be known when branches are all removed.