A gruelling 100 mile hike in the unforgiving heat of a Polish summer awaited two intrepid scouts when they jetted off last Sunday.

They were both, however, relishing the challenge and looking forward to their epic walk through the hills and villages of Poland.

One of the brave pair, Lucy Stansford, 17, of Park Lane, Herongate, said: "I am very excited, but very nervous. Everyone thinks that Poland is going to be cold, but its going to be boiling with temperatures over 30 Celsius."

Lucy is travelling with Timothy Beal, 19, of St John's Avenue, Brentwood. Both are members of the 1st Warley scout group and are undertaking the expedition to gain the 'Explorer Belt' award.

They are part of a group of 40 scouts from around the country, but will be hiking in pairs.

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