Scouts from Epping Forest have joined 30,000 others from across the globe at a “once in a lifetime” gathering in Japan.

As part of a group of 36 from Essex, the Scouts are attending the 23rd World Scout Jamboree which finishes this Saturday (August 8).

At a “tent city” near Kirara-hama, Japan, the visitors from around the world are taking part in hundreds of activities focused on discovering new cultures, the environment, sustainable development and global issues.

Laura Barritt, 15, from Loughton said: “Since we arrived we have met Scouts from Iceland and Holland.

“It is amazing how friendly people are and I am surprised by just how comfortable it is to speak to all these people I have never met.

“The opening ceremony was a great experience for the whole unit.”