A TRIO of Scouts from Tiptree are heading to the USA to take part in a worldwide event for only the second time in its history.

The World Scout Jamboree happens every four years and is being held for the 24th time in West Virginia this summer.

Scouting started in Tiptree in 1926 but the group has only ever sent members once before.

This summer Scout leader Lisa Grantham, Scout Charlie Warner, 16, and Guide Neive Deighton, 15, will head off to America.

The selection process started two years ago and ever since the team has been fundraising to pay for the journey.

Lisa, 51, said: “Following a huge fundraising campaign we have raised over £3,000 each to be able to attend this event.

“There are 40,000 people from more than 180 countries in the West Virginia mountains for two weeks, diversity at its best.

“Tiptree Scouts have sent a scout to the World Jamboree just once before, Matt Hatton in 1991 to Korea.

“Matt popped along to bid us all farewell and to impart some top tips on jamboree life and share his memories.

There were just 20 scouts from Essex taking part in the world event.

Lisa has previously helped at Camp America and worked with Girl Scouts in the USA between 1995 and 2001.

She added: “Last summer we hand delivered letters to all Tiptree businesses asking for help with fundraising and to share what Scouting in Tiptree was doing.

“We were amazed by the response. We had some donations of money and lots of donations for raffle prizes for our various events over the last year.

Thank you Tiptree – we are still a community that gives.

“Wilkin & Son’s jam factory helped in a special way, not only giving raffles prizes but putting “The JAM in the JAMboree” with a consignment of preserve shipped direct to site for the young people to spread far and wide.”

The world jamboree takes place from July 22 to August 2.