Crown Honda is helping support the legacy of the late George Michael by contributing to the ‘buy a brick scheme’ for the renovation of the venue of his first ever performance.

A performance in front of 400 to 500 people at the Bushey Heath scout headquarters helped inspire the former Wham! frontman to become a professional recording artist but is now in desperate need of refurbishment, with the original wooden bur lapping beginning to rot.

Home to the 1st Bushey Heath Scout Group, the headquarters is more than 60 years old and is a focal point for the community, housing 117 members from Beavers, Cubs, Scouts to Explorer Scouts, as well as being used by the community for various special interest groups and as a voting station.

To pay for the refurbishment, the Scouts have started fundraising with the ‘buy a brick scheme’, with each brick costing £100.

Lee Monahan, company director at Crown Honda Bushey Heath, said: “Once we heard about the ‘buy a brick scheme’, we wanted to play our part and contribute.

“It’s important for local residents to be able to take pride in their community, and a building like this, which is used by numerous social groups and has a fantastic history to it, needs protecting.

“With all the work that the Scouts do for the community, it is a great feeling to be able to give something back to them.

“Additionally, as a fan of George Michael, I’m ecstatic to be able to contribute to keeping his legacy alive. We hope that due to this funding, our local Scouts will be able to continue for another 60 years, as well as people continuing to listen to George’s music.”

So far the ‘buy a brick’ initiative has funded the first phase of the renovation programme, with all the exterior shiplap replaced and new modern double glazed windows fitted to the landmark scout hut.