An air scout troupe from Braintree are celebrating after coming out on top in two Essex wide backpacking competitions.

Second Braintree and Bocking Air Scouts entered novice and experienced teams at this year's Essex scout meet up in Thorrington.

The teams, named Hurricanes and Spitfires after Second World War aircraft, were supplied with maps, coordinates and a route card.

Over two days the scouts had to complete the cards, read maps and follow compass bearings in the hopes of reaching bases dotted across the countryside.

Each team were also set a challenge at the base which would test their teamwork, preparation and problem solving techniques.

Teams were awarded points for correctly completed route cards and for correctly completing the challenges.

Andy Pack, of 2nd Braintree and Bocking Air Scouts, said: "After a gruelling weekend, our two tired teams, waited along with 380 other scouts for the results of the event.

Second Braintree Air scouts Hurricanes secured an easy first place in the novice category and received the trophy looking smart in their blue shirts and red and white scarfs.

"The experienced team Spitfire secured an easy first place in the experienced category with 617 points even more that last year’s massive score."