FOUR intrepid scouts from Westerfield have joined only a handful of other Suffolk scouts in achieving the nationally acclaimed chief scout award.Mathew Davis, 15, Ian Rowe, 15, Michael Gibson, 16, and James Groom, 15, are also the first members of the 1st Westerfield Scout Group to win the award in their 50-year history.

FOUR intrepid scouts from Westerfield have joined only a handful of other Suffolk scouts in achieving the nationally acclaimed chief scout award.

Mathew Davis, 15, Ian Rowe, 15, Michael Gibson, 16, and James Groom, 15, are also the first members of the 1st Westerfield Scout Group to win the award in their 50-year history.

The quartet was invited to take part in the chief scout challenge by Derek Purdy, the chief scout of Great Britain.

The challenge required the youngsters to organise a 40-mile hike over three nights, taking in rough terrain. Although the scout leaders were on hand to offer advice in organising the trip, the youngsters were unaware they were being monitored while they completed the hike.

They completed a four-night trek across the Yorkshire Moors in July. Their route included Hawes, Redmire, Reeth annd Muker.

Assistant chief scout John Kelway said: "They have been very responsible for their age and have done very well.

"They had to change their route during the trek because of the floods in July but they coped really well. It's quite an achievement."

The scouts carried all of their camping equipment, clothing and food with them throughout the gruelling challenge.

One of the four, Michael Gibson said: "Some days were harder than others and it was quite hard getting over the hills. It's something to be proud of and it's a good thing to have done."

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