A SCOUT group is hoping an astronaut-themed treasure hunt will help its finances skyrocket.

The treasure hunt will take place in Lawford and Manningtree to fundraise for the First Lawford Scouts group.

The event has been organised by full fibre broadband provider Gigaclear which is currently extending its network to more than 2,800 properties in the area.

To be successful in the treasure hunt, participants will have to find 16 ‘astronauts’ that will be hiding around Manningtree and Lawford.

Successful teams will then be eligible to claim a free pizza at lunchtime during the day of the event.

Gary Robinson, of First Lawford Scouts, said: “We are over the moon and really grateful to Gigaclear for organising this fun activity that will help raise much-needed funds for our group.

“We hope as many people as possible take part in the treasure hunt and then join us for some pizza at the centre.”

Interested residents can purchase a special treasure hunt form for £1 from the Venture Centre 2000 in Bromley Road or from Gigaclear’s team of mobile representatives.

Everyone who takes part in the treasure hunt and is on Gigaclear’s network will also be eligible to advantage of a special offer of six months free full fibre broadband followed by 400 megabytes per second at £20 for 18 months, subject to terms and conditions.

Andrew Lipski, regional community engagement manager at Gigaclear, said to was great fun trying to find unusual places around Lawford and Manningtree to hide the astronauts.

He said: “If you’re out and about next weekend, look out for our astronauts – you may be surprised by some of the locations they’re in.

“When you’ve spotted five, don’t hang about, simply fill in your form, head up to the centre between noon and 2pm each day and enjoy a ‘pizza’ the action while stocks last.”

The treasure hunt will take place on Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11, between 10am and 6pm.

For more information and to register your place for the treasure hunt, visit bit.ly/3hanwMw or call 01865 591131.