A WINCHESTER scout group has had more members accepted to an international scouting event than any other in the country.

The 1st Winchester Scouts will send 17 scouts, explorers and leaders to next year's World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

They must each raise £3,000 before the event, and have kicked off the task with a bag-pack recently.

They raised £1,300 by helping Sainsbury's shoppers in return for donations.

Leader of the Romans Scout troop, Richard Smith, said: “The Jamboree is an incredible experience for our young people and we are extremely proud that so many of our Scouts and Explorers have been offered a place.

“These young people are already taking responsibility for their world in small ways and the Jamboree helps them recognise themselves as global citizens.”