After almost two years of tireless fundraising, a group of scouts have finally arrived in East Asia for a trip of a lifetime.

Around a dozen scouts from across Waltham Forest, including seven from Chingford, set off on the 5,870 mile journey to Japan on Friday (July 24) for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Kirarahama.

The opening ceremony held yesterday (July 29) saw over 30,000 scouts from 200 countries come together for the multi-national event held every four years in a different country.

To qualify for the trip, each scout had to learn about Japanese customs and raise £3,000, some of which helped to enable scouts from less developed countries get to the event.

They will spend the next week camping, living and working together as they explore Japan's natural environment and historical landmarks.