Scout to represent Cotswolds at world jamboree (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Scout to represent Cotswolds at world jamboree

A SCOUT from Cirencester will be representing the area after being selected to attend the 2007 World Scout Jamboree.

Rob Gale, of North Home Road, was one of only three people from the district who will be going to the event, which takes place in Essex over two weeks next year in July and August.

The 15-year-old was chosen by a selection committee ahead of 9,000 other scouts in Gloucestershire.

He found out after attending a leaders selection weekend back in October.

Rob said: "I wasn't sure if I had been chosen at first because there were a lot of people going for it. Some of my mates really wanted to get in. "It's the chance of a lifetime," he added.

The Jamboree happens every four years and usually takes place abroad. The last one was held in Thailand.

However, this year marks the 100th year of the scout movement and no other country bidded to host the event as it was felt the landmark anniversary should be held in the place where the Baden Powell first launched the scouts.

Rob now has to raise £1,000 to attend as this money goes towards helping scouts from less well-off countries to attend.

He is so far well on course and has made more than £250 through part-time work as well as organising fundraising events.