A GROUP of scouts have completed a challenge which will make other packs green with envy by starring in a television advert.

The troop from Immanuel Church, Feniscowles, Blackburn, were filmed walking in Witton Park for one of the 15-second trailers for the new series of The Bill.

The 11 to 14-year-olds were handpicked by a freelance television location manager, originally from Blackburn, who likes to use local people wherever he can.

David Barnes, who now lives in Manchester, said the group of 15 boys were naturals in the takes for the adverts set to be aired next month.

The clips are advertise-ments for the Co-op Bank, sponsors of the Bill, to be shown at the start of every episode and after commercial breaks.

More than 35 groups throughout the UK were filmed to illustrate the message of the advert to promote ethical banking with the Co-op.

The scouts were drafted in to demonstrate being prepared' as they are shown walking in a line with their rucksacks and sleeping bags.

Scout leader Sandy Woods said: "We were delighted to be asked to help out and even though it was a freezing cold day, everyone enjoyed the filming.

"After several rehearsals, make up was applied, which was a real treat for the boys. "Then they got used to the shouts of camera', action' and cut'.

"They had to run through the take some 23 times and yes, you guessed it, they used the first shot."

Mr Barnes, formally of Pleasington, added: "If I ever need scouts again, which may be unlikely, but if I do, they will be asked again.

"They did a great job. They did as they were told and everything ran very smoothly.

"I was born in Blackburn so it's great to use people from the town and even better to film there.

"Witton Park is a great setting.

"And we wanted to film in the towns people were from.

"We had a great day."

Other clips include Stockport market, where they are good with people', and a taxi driver in Manchester, who is good with direction' qualities the Co-op claims to share.