Scouts from Richmond are joining as many as 5,000 other young adventurers from across south west London at the World Scout Jamboree in the US.

The Unit 26, 'Double Decker', scouts from Richmond, Croydon and Sutton met at Heathrow Airport on Saturday (July 20) and boarded a plane to New York where they spent 24 hours, before travelling on to the main event in West Virginia.

Unit member Luca Viani, 15, said "Meeting people from around the world on this scale is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Not only do I get to socialise with Scouts from other countries, but I'll get to take part in loads of activities too - I can't wait for the 5-mile zip wire."

The scouts had the chance to spend the day in New York getting to know each other, seeing the sights, and navigating their way through the big city, before moving on to the main event.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “These are some of our brightest and best and every one of them will be an ambassador for the Scouts, the UK’s largest mixed movement, helping prepare girls and boys with skills for life.

“World Scout Jamborees only happens every four years and tens of thousands of Scouts attend each one.”

The World Scout Jamboree provides opportunities for Scouts to learn new skills with other young people as well as experience high adventures in a scout filled community.

Bear Grylls added: “They are incredible festivals of peace, friendship and adventure. Young people will make friends for life with people from over 150 countries, experience different food, language and culture while learning new skills.

“The 2019 Jamboree, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet. The theme is “Unlock a new world” – focusing especially on how we can create a sustainable world together.

"It will be the journey of a lifetime.”

This year's event takes place from July 23 to August 2.