SCOUTING siblings from Alcester raised £450 for their Jamboree by holding a ‘guess the number of balloons in a Honda’ event at the Maybird Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

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

Around 100 to 200 people took part in the fundraiser on Saturday, September 13 where the winner was given a Honda car on loan for a week.

Runners-up prizes included a gift basket donated by Boots and Honda mechanise including keyrings and hats.

Listers Honda of Stratford arranged for a car to be decorated with the Jamboree logo and the Warwickshire bear and they also lent the car and gave smaller donations.

The duo were selected to attend the 23rd World Scout Jamboree held in Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi City, Japan on next year, on Tuesday, July 28.

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.”

The pair 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.

“We have really enjoyed thinking of different ways to raise funds”, said James.

“Taking part in the Alcester Pram Race was great fun, particularly as we came so close to winning.”

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 scouts will continue to work with the unit from Warwickshire to help them prepare for their adventure.

For more information visit ukcontingent.org.uk.