It's a Buggingham Palace for insects!

The hotel for insects is welcoming residents who wander in to the West Park wildlife sanctuary.

The shelter was built by the 1st South Bersted Air Scouts and Cubs. Many of the 34 youngsters involved watched as MP Nick Gibb and town mayor Paul Wells officially declared the des res open.

Those who built the hotel include Amber Macrae, ten, Libby Goddard, eight, Steven Hughes, nine, and Craig Robson, ten. Libby said: “We like to keep the bugs safe from animals that might eat them.”

Steven said: “If the insects are in the shelter, they will stand more of a chance.”

The wooden shelter is about 3ft wide and 2ft high and has a felt roof. Several bird boxes were also built.

Group scout leader Simon Macrae said: “It’s possibly the first time they have made something of this size.

“A project like this also involves them in teamwork and in the wider community.”

The initiative arose from a green footprint day last February which the Scout group held with the Friends of West Park.

Friends chairman Jan Malpas said: “It’s nice to get the children into the park.

“It gives them the chance to appreciate and respect open green spaces and, hopefully, they will continue with that attitude as they grow up.”

The project was also supported by the Bognor branch of B&Q. Deputy manager Paul Knight was present at the opening with the store’s community contact, Kara Greig. He said the initial donations of goods could be followed with help from staff.