A SCOUT leader will tackle outdoor challenges in Canada as the UK’s representive at a global event.

Hyndburn Explorer Scout leader Ben Mears has been selected to represent the UK at the World Scout Moot in Canada next month.

Ben, 29, teaches outdoor skills to adult explorer scouts in Hyndburn.

He beat applicants from around the country.

Now he is set to go on the trip of a lifetime to the heart of the Outaouais forest.

There he will oversee the ‘Moot’, an international gathering of adult scouts aged 18-25 with advanced skills. The event will bring together up to 5,000 young adults from around the world, inclu-ding explorer scouts from Hyndburn.

Ben showed off his Explorer scout skills in trials in Gilwell Park Scout Activity Centre, situated on the London-Essex border.

He said: “They made me take part in team buildings skills and wanted to really test our outdoor skills to see what we were made of. Each section had about 50 people in it, so I didn’t think I had much chance. I was delighted when I was chosen bec-ause it will be an incredible trip.

“We basically have been chosen as leaders to make sure the scouts get the most out of the experience.”

Chris Taylor at Bowley Scout Centre in Great Harwood said: “Ben was selected because of his energy and enthusiasm for international scouting.

Bear Grylls, the Chief Scout, said: “Congratulations to Ben in being selected to go on this trip of a lifetime. While lots of people know that scouting is all about adventure, they often don’t realise that adult volunteers get to do just as much as our young members through their involvement.

“The World Scout Moot in Canada is the best example of this. Over the course of the Moot they will be able to meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and experi-ences.”

The Moot next month will be located at the Awacamenj Mino outdoor base near Ottawa.