A team of Scouts from Friern Barnet did their unit proud when they won a gruelling 20-kilometre hiking competition.

Joe Tyler, Emily Poles, Dominic Griffin, Dominic Stone and Millie McManus from the 6th Friern Barnet Scouts joined more than 70 teams from across the south of England in the Chiltern Hills last weekend.

The group navigated their way round the 13-mile trek in a time of four hours and 43 minutes, finishing as the fastest unaccompanied team and the quickest of the London groups.

Team leader Joe Tyler, 13, said: “I knew we'd got a good time - my team and I kept up a good pace and we didn't make any navigation mistakes - but I was really surprised when we found we'd won. 

“I was so excited to win because in previous years I have come 4th twice and this was the last year that I could take part so I was determined to do my best."

Team member Emily added: "We were really surprised and happy when we won, as in the previous years we had never come above 4th. I'm really glad I got to be a part of it for 2 years running, and I hope I will be able to take part in the Southern 50 this February."

The troop meets weekly at the Methodist Church in Manor Drive and regularly takes part in hiking and navigation activities.

Scout leader Malcolm Rush said: “We are pleased our training hikes paid of, and we’re very proud. This event is called the Chiltern 20 Challenge for a reason.

“A challenge is about overcoming doubts and pushing yourself to achieve something worthwhile. All our Scouts who took part have done just that.”