DESPITE wet, windy and grey conditions almost 1,000 scouts from across Europe flocked to Alton Water as part of a giant jamboree.The EuroJam event is being hosted in Chelmsford at Hylands Park, but the reservoir in Stutton is being used for the water activities.

DESPITE wet, windy and grey conditions almost 1,000 scouts from across Europe flocked to Alton Water as part of a giant jamboree.

The EuroJam event is being hosted in Chelmsford at Hylands Park, but the reservoir in Stutton is being used for the water activities.

Throughout this week, around 9,000 youngsters aged between ten and 18 from 57 different countries will take to the water in sailing dinghies, kayaks, wind surfs and rafts.

They will also take part in mountain biking, orienteering and swimming.

Preparations for EuroJam started a year ago. Around 200 volunteers from across the country have been recruited to set up and oversee the event.

Event organiser Liz Hall said the event was the biggest of its kind in the UK for 50 years.

She said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for scouts from across Europe to come together. Not all of the scouts here get to do things like this very often so it's great for them to try something new.

"This is a celebration of scouting and scouting activities. It's all about fun, enjoyment, learning and being challenged.

"The language problem will be interesting to try to manage and we don't have interpreters. But I'm sure it will be fine.

"We've been setting up on site for more than week and it's been very stressful at times, but it's all coming together. It's very exciting to see all the youngsters here – it's going to be a great week.

"I just hope the weather picks up a little bit!"