Scouts from across Devon, including Holsworthy, were at Roadford Lake last weekend making their final preparations for their adventure to the World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

The 27 scouts were also joined by nine Girl Guides and together they make up Unit 22, Two Little Ducks.

They checked all their specialist kit, including clothing, baggage and bedding all proudly displaying the UK Contingent Logo of a peace crane.

The scouts woke at 5am for a hike to collect ingredients for their day's meals, similar to what they will receive in Japan, and practised speeches they will give to scouting and town dignitaries.

They also participated in activities on offer at the Watersports Centre, including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and the high wires — storms failed to stop the fun for long.

A farewell dinner followed at Lakeside with family and scout leaders who have helped and supported the scouts and guides on their journey.

One fortunate scout, Hannah Presswell from Holsworthy Explorers was told she is one of 34 chosen to raise/lower the UK contingent flag in the morning and evening. Hannah said she was 'very excited and nervous at the same time'.

Nicki, scout leader said it was a 'great honour' for Hannah to be chosen and everyone in the unit were 'very proud' to have had a Scout from their unit picked to represent the UK.

The Scouts will leave the UK on July 25, flying to Japan and then to Nagano where they will stay with Scout families for two days, experiencing traditional Japanese life and food. They will meet other Scout groups and dignitaries at events put on especially for them.

They will then move on to the World Scout Jamboree, near Yamaguchi City in the south of Japan. The Scouts will spend the first day getting to know their neighbours on Fuji Camp (their sub camp), which includes Italian, Brazilian and Swiss. Scouts from America, Canada, Australia, Indonesia and Japan, will also be on the sub camp.

The World Scout Jamboree will include seven days of activities, with modules based around global development, peace programme (based at Hiroshima), exploring natures, crossroads of culture and city of science (COS).

As well as being a fantastic opportunity for young people, the event is an amazing chance for adult volunteers to take part in activities and learn new skills that they can use in other aspects of their life.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.