TWO scouting siblings from Alcester have been given the opportunity of a lifetime after they were selected to attend the 23rd World Scout Jamboree held in Japan next year.

James, 16, and Ellie Fordham, 14, are now aiming to raise the £3,045 attendance fee per person by holding a series of fundraising events.

The next event is taking place on Saturday, September 13 when they will hold a ‘guess the number of balloons in a Honda’ event at the Maybird Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Honda of Stratford arranged for a car to be decorated with the Jamboree logo and the Warwickshire bear and as a prize they donated it on loan for a week to the person who guesses the number of balloons correctly.

The pair were selected from 120 applicants to attend the held in Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi City on Tuesday, July 28.

They have already hosted a sponsored walk, ran a cake sale, took part in the Alcester Street Market and Family Fun Day and entered in the Alcester Pram Race where they came second.

James said: “We have really enjoyed thinking of different ways to raise funds. Taking part in the Alcester Pram Race was great fun, particularly as we came so close to winning.”

Ellie said: “I wanted to apply to attend the Jamboree because of the opportunity to travel abroad and meet Scouts from around the world.

“It is a wonderful chance to experience a different culture, to try new things, and challenge myself. I am sure I will come back with memories that will last a lifetime.

“Only at a Scout Jamboree could you get this sort of global community gathering with one common interest.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “Congratulations to James, Ellie and all the other young people who have been selected to represent their communities at the World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015.

“Over the course of the Jamboree these young people will be able to meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and experiences and be challenged to think about global issues in a new light.

“I wish them all the best and I know they are going to have an amazing time over the 18 months in the run up to the event”

The pair, who have been scouting since they were eight, started out as Cubs in 1St Alcester Scout Group.

The pair will be part of a unit of 36 young people aged 14 to 17, who will be guided by four volunteer leaders from the county who have been specially selected to support the unit during their 10-day adventure.

Around 30,000 Scouts from across the world will be attending the event, they will camp, live and work together for 10 unforgettable days of celebration and international friendship whilst also learning new skills which they can use in other aspects of their life.

Until the summer of 2015, James and Ellie will continue to work with the unit from Warwickshire to help them prepare for their adventure.

For more information visit ukcontingent.org.uk.