A SCOUT group enjoyed a special trip and sleepover in an unusual place in Essex.

A total of 40 girls and boys from the Silver End Scouts took a trip to the Kelvedon Hatch 'Secret Nuclear Bunker'.

The group spent the evening there and enjoyed a special sleepover trip inside.

The Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker is a large underground structure maintained during the Cold War as a potential regional government headquarters.

Originally built in 1952–53, it was part of the Rotor programme to strengthen Britain's air defence network.

Since being decommissioned in 1992, the bunker has been open to the public as a tourist attraction, with a museum focusing on its Cold War history.

During the visit, the Scouts took part in freefall abseiling down the stairwell, air rifle shooting along the 120 yard entrance corridor, team games and crafts based on the theme of the Cold War.

They then settled down to watch the 1983 classic film War Games, before sleeping over inside the bunker.

After breakfast in the morning, there was a guided tour around the bunker before they emerged to the outside world and life above ground again.

One of the newest Scouts to join the group said: “It was a memorable experience and I would definitely do it again.”

For more information on Silver End Scouts or to enquire to join, visit silverend-scouts.org.uk.

It is open to girls and boys aged 10 to 14.