Nine Kenilworth and Leek Wootton youngsters have been chosen to join more than 40,000 other scouts at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea next year.

Organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the event happens every four years, each time hosted by a different country.

The focus in 2023 is on global sustainability and environmentalism, by working together to reduce climate change.

And the teenagers chosen to represent Kenilworth are: Mia Thomas-Sewell, Swanand Kashyap, Heather Doy, Rohan Rajathurai, Ellie Pawsey, Andrew Digby all 14, Sophie Cousins, 15, James Hurst and Abi Staveley, both 16.

But to get all the way to South Korea, each of them must raise nearly £3,500 in the next 12 months.

Speaking to Nub News Ellie Pawsey said: "As a group of like-minded young people we share the experience of a rigorous national selection process but it feels like the challenge has only just begun, as we embark on a series of training and fundraising events.

"Using the Scout values of being honest, loyal, trustworthy and prepared, we have the mammoth task of raising £3,495 each.

"This is for our participation and to support equal access from around the globe so all Scouts have an opportunity to think big and dream wild."

To kick start their fundraising, the nine local scouts and explorers have already held two hot chocolate stalls on the Millennium Way near Kenilworth.

And plans are already in place for a day of car washing at All Saints Church in Leek Wootton on 12 March and for washing golf clubs at The Warwickshire on 20 March.

Ellie added: "We have set up a GoFundMe page. Every penny counts and goes directly to support the cause.

"All the fundraising is sponsored by Warwickshire Scout Council (Charity no 506367) and is in line with the charitable objectives."

At their meeting in February the Scouts were joined by Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Peter Jones who came down to show his support.

"They have done so well to be selected because there is such competition to go," he said at last week's Kenilworth Town Council Meeting.

"But now they have to raise a phenomenal amount of money for it.

"They were a lovely bunch of youngsters, they are going to be baking hard, washing cars and so on, so good luck to them!"

Click here to make a donation to their GoFundMe page.