A Muslim scout group desperate for work to be done on their headquarters is the fourth organisation to enter the Post's Building Healthy Communities competition.

The 1st Bristol Muslim Scout Group, based in Muller Road, was formed in 2003, and is open to boys and girls of all faiths to enjoy adventure and fun activities.

Now it has more than 50 members, aged between six and 14, who are split across beaver, cub and scout packs.

The groups learn everything from creative crafts to camping skills, climbing, canoeing and leadership skills.

But their scout hut is not up to scratch.

Amir Cheema, the scout leader who founded the group, said: "Our hut is a concrete hall that has been built over time by a team of volunteers and parents. We have worked over a number of years to paint the hall and fit the kitchen out with some cabinets donated to us by a parent, and have done as much as we can.

"But the toilets need a lot of work. The sinks leak and the units themselves need repairing. We also need showers put in so that when there are sleep-overs the kids can get washed and changed.

"There is also no hot water, which makes it hard in winter when we are doing things like painting activities, as they can't really wash and clean up after themselves."

Mr Cheema, 42, a senior project manager for Orange, from Westbury-on-Trym, said a grant would help the group enormously.

He said: "It would make it a lot easier for the youngsters to take part in activities, knowing that they can clean up afterwards.

"It would help them to do more fun activities."

The Post's Building Healthy Communities competition, sponsored by Leadbitter, gives community groups and schools the chance to win a share of £16,000 for improvements.

The competition is being run in two stages. The first, which runs until August, will be for everyone from community groups to sports clubs and fitness groups, while the second, running in January next year, will be for schools of all ages.

Building Healthy Communities follows on the huge success of last year's School Build SOS competition, which saw prize winners have a bike shelter refurbished, new toilets installed and a raised planting garden built.

This time there are three prizes for each of the two competitions, worth £5,000, £2,000 and £1,000.

The only condition is that the project must involve activities promoting healthy living, and that the building work can be carried out within a day.

So whether you are a sports club in need of new showers, a fitness group wanting hand rails to help the elderly or a community group wanting a lick of paint on your dance hall walls, you can apply for a share of the prize money.

Leadbitter regional director Rob Bradley said: "We are delighted to sponsor this competition.

"Leadbitter specialises in construction projects that impact on communities, building schools, leisure facilities, care homes and low-cost housing.

"We are pleased to give something back to the very people who provide us with construction opportunities in our day-to-day business."

To enter, simply fill out the entry form in your copy of the Post and send it in.

The deadline for entries is May 31.