A DOZEN Halesowen Scouts have flown off for a trip of a lifetime to an international jamboree in Japan.

They are part of a 40-strong contingent from West Mercia Scout County who will join 4,000 Scouts from across the UK and 30,000 others from nearly every country in the world.

They will have two weeks of activities, fun and making new friends.

The UK Scouts flew out to Tokyo last Friday for three days in the capital before travelling by bullet train to the jamboree site near Yamaguchi City in the south of Japan.

The Halesowen group of 10 14 to 17-year-old Scouts and two leaders, includes three members of the same family, Jack and Katie Parton, aged 15 and 17, plus dad Andrew, who received a late call up as first reserve when another leader had to drop out.

Mr Parton, from Hasbury Scouts, said: “The culmination of 18 months hard work, team building and fundraising has now come to fruition.

“West Mercia scouts now embark on a journey of a lifetime, which will involve many activities, meeting people from around the world and learning about their cultures and religions.”

Brothers Matt Wong and leader David Wong are also part of the Halesowen group.

Ann Horton, from Rowley Regis, whose 15-year-old son Leo is representing the 1st Netherton Scouts at the jamboree, said all those going had managed to raise almost £3,000 each to cover the cost of the trip.

“Leo was very excited about going – it is a fantastic opportunity,” she added.