FOUR scouts have landed a stateside opportunity of a lifetime.

Barrow Sixth Form student Liam Edgley, of 1st & 7th Barrow Scouts, Finley Briars and Sarah Johnston from Xenolith Explorer Scout Group in Ulverston and Rhodri Silcocks, of Dalton-based Duddon Dragons, have been chosen to attend the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia later this year.

17-year-old Liam was selected out of 103 Cumbrian hopefuls, securing an activity-filled trip to the world’s leading scout event.

He said: “It was a vigorous selection process where applicants had to fulfil two sets of criteria: people who would benefit from the Jamboree and people who would represent Cumbria well.”

Liam, who joined Barrow Scout Group ten years ago, said he was relishing the opportunity to take part in the many activities that will be available at the global event.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to the chance to meet people across the globe.

“It’s going to be an experience of a lifetime.

“45,000 people across 96 countries will be attending which should be fantastic.”

Liam, alongside the chosen others, have raised £90,000 for the scouting event through bag packing, coffee mornings and an abseil down Carlisle Civic Centre.

He said: “We still have £30,000 left to raise, however, we may have to cut down on fundraising as a few of us are taking our GCSEs and have school work.”

The funds will go towards covering transport and living costs in America as well as donations for underdeveloped countries.

Liam will embark on a jam-packed 20-day expedition across America and Canada.

He said: “When we get there it will be a 20-day experience in West Virginia.

“We’re all flying into New York on July 20 and spending a couple of days there before taking part in the main Jamboree in West Virginia.

“There we’re going to take part in activities like kayaking, skateboarding, mountain climbing and loads more outdoor activities.”

He attended Barrow Rotary Club to talk about his forthcoming visit to the United States.

He would also like to thank Hindpool Lodge of Freemasons, Barrow-in-Furness Rotary & Rotary of Furness Peninsula for their generous donations.