BRITISH adventurer Bear Grylls has congratulated three Southend Scouts after they were picked to represent the UK at a jamboree in Japan next year.

Twins Holly and Charlie Luckin, 15, from the Colombus Explorer Scout Unit in Shoebury, and Billy Piercy, 13, from the 2nd Thorpe Bay Scout Group will be among the 4,000 Scouts, Guides and adult leaders from across the UK flying to East Asia for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree.

The excited trio, who beat scores of other Essex hopefuls, will form part of the Essex Scouts and Anglia Guides Unit.

The jamboree will see 30,000 Scouts from nearly every country in the world, camp, live and work together.

Man vs Wild star, Bear Grylls, who is Chief Scout, said: “These youngsters will meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and be challenged to think about global issues. I wish them all the best and I know they are going to have an amazing time in the run-up to the event.”

Holly said: “This really is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I feel really proud to be representing Essex and the UK at this international event.

“I am looking forward to the sheer amount of people who will be there and the atmosphere.

“It’s going to be fun and exciting to meet new friends, some from across the world.”

The three Scouts will now have to raise the £3,200 fee to participate ahead of the jamboree at the end of July.