SCOUTS from Herefordshire and Worcestershire are finalising plans ahead of their trip to a worldwide Scout summit in Japan.

A group of 36 youngsters have spent more than 12 months planning, raising funds and training to take part in the World Scout Jamboree.

With just a few weeks to go, the excitement is building.

Scout leader Chris Ruffe from Unit 43, Apples and Pears, said: "Preparing for this World Scout Jamboree has been a true journey.

"There has been a lot planning and hard work.

"We have had several training camps and social activities - skating, canoeing, dragon boating, climbing, walking and bowling, where the young people from all over the two counties have joined together to become a comprehensive team.

"Already they have discovered new friends and have shared new experiences.

"The anticipation is growing and when we get to Japan I just know it will be 100 times better.

"I’ve done some pretty fantastic things with Scouts since I became a volunteer but this tops the lot."

Explorer Scout Jess Robertshaw, aged 16, from Hereford, said: "This is a real opportunity for me to meet other young people from all over the world, to discover things about their culture and traditions and have fun with them. I just can’t wait to get there."

Between the opening and closing ceremonies, participants will have the chance to take part in hundreds of activities focused on discovering new cultures, the environment, sustainable development and global development issues.

The Hereford and Worcester group will also take part in a visit to the Peace Park in the Centre of Hiroshima.