SCOUT leaders are preparing to represent the UK in an international event.

Gary and Samantha Smith, from Colchester, will be at Roverway in the Netherlands this summer which features scout leaders from across the continent who are given the once in a lifetime chance to help youngsters embark upon new adventures.

The gathering of scouts and guides aged between 16 and 22 will take place in July and August.

Mr Smith, 46, said:“Roverway is the next step in my scouting journey.

"I am a new leader, and have loved helping out as a Scouting parent in the past, so this will be a brilliant experience”.

Partner Samantha 45, added: “I have never experienced anything like Roverway in my 5 years as a leader.

"My own kids have been through the scouts and have gained a lot from it.

"This will be good for our family in developing skills in patience, inclusion and I hope to give all young people new experiences”.

More than 300 UK scouts will join forces with 3,000 other people from almost every other European nation for the nine-day spectacular which will take in activities in Amsterdam, the Hague and a trip around Holland, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg.

Challenges will includes camping in a unique location, community work and riding a classic Dutch tandem bike.

Their adventure will end at Scoutinglandgoed Zeewolde for a range of watersports and training sessions.

Chief scout Bear Grylls said: "They are heading off on the trip of a lifetime.

"The diversity of people they will meet will remind us all about what the world has to offer.

"They will experience new cultures and make many new friends, becoming ever more tolerant and caring about others through this experience.”