Thousands of Scouts from across the country took part in a community event in Chingford.

The annual event saw the gathering of groups from as far afield as Scotland and Ireland for activities arranged by local police and fire services,

Officers began the event with a role-play scenario in which a group of Scouts found a barrel and decided to bring it back to their camp. Upon removing the lid, a gas was "released" making the group feel unwell.

Participants found out first-hand how the police's Chemical Biological Radioactive and Nuclear (CBRN) Team from 2 Area Territorial Support Group respond, whilst working alongside the LAS's Hazardous Area Response Team, to recover and treat casualties and investigate any criminal offences

The police-led event was held over the weekend of July 11 and 12 at The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Bury Road.

The LFB team demonstrated cutting a person out of a car following a road traffic collision and Waltham Forest Specials held a public order demonstration allowing the Scouts to try on personal protection equipment.

PC Dan Nelson, who organised the event, said: "The weekend was great fun and the young people were a credit to the national Scouts movement.

"The event provides a great opportunity for the emergency services to work together to deliver an educational and interactive experience for young people who are keen to engage with us."