TWO scouts will travel nearly 4,000 miles to represent Braintree and the UK at a huge scout event next summer.

Joshua Hagger and James Hopkins have been chosen as part of a team to help at the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia in the United States.

Mr Hagger, 19, and Mr Hopkins, 28, will work with scouts from almost every country in the world to share their life skills.

Mr Hagger, of Highclere Road, said: "I can’t wait to advocate the UK Scouting movement.

"I’m most looking forward to doing all the activities in America because there’s some stuff you can’t do here and they are much bigger.

"I’m hoping by going I can work on my communication, team-working and language skills."

The duo are part of a team chosen by UK Scouting to help with the running of the event while picking up some important life skills themselves.

The team will help with all aspects of the event, from delivering exciting outdoor activities right through to mass catering.

Mr Hopkins, of George Road, said: "As a business Development Manager by trade, I’m hoping I can share my skills in the cultural centre, UK Pavilion.

"I’m excited for the adventure that awaits in meeting new people from the various different cultures from across the globe, sharing a vision in developing young people."

Held once every four years, the jamboree brings together 45,000 scouts from across the world to experience new cultures and to celebrate the scouting principle of creating a better world.

It's the 24th time the global get-together will be held and it will take place at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in the state of West Virginia.