TWO members of the Minehead-based 1st Exmoor Scout Group are the only youngsters chosen from the West Somerset scouting community to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Poland in July and August next year, joining thousands of scouts to promote peace, adventure, and international friendship.

But, to represent the district at the jamboree, Willow Sherrin and Jamie Bonar must fund-raise to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and participation in the major international experience.

The £8,000 they are planning to raise will also go toward supporting scouts from across the world, making the event fully inclusive.

Willow and Jamie have begun fund-raising locally and have also set up a GoFundMe page where people can learn more about their story and support them.

A scouts spokesperson said: “Willow and Jamie were the only two selected from the whole of West Somerset scouting community, so it is a huge achievement for them.

“The jamboree is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to join tens of thousands of scouts from across the globe.

“It is a gathering unlike any other, offering scouts the opportunity to experience a world of diversity while participating in activities that foster personal growth, leadership, and global citizenship.”

Willow and Jamie’s parents, James and Dani Sherrin and John and Lucy Bonar, said: “As part of the jamboree criteria we are expected to fund-raise to fund the trip, so we are reaching out for support, however big or small, to send them off on this big adventure.

“We have a joint total to raise of £8,000 but a portion of the fees also helps sponsor scouts from developing nations, ensuring that the jamboree is a truly inclusive global event.”

Their appeal has so far raised nearly £500.

The 1st Exmoor Scouts run four sections catering for youngsters from the ages of four to 14 years.