OVER 1,500 scouts and guides from across the country descended on Cirencester Park this weekend to battle it out as part of a national event.

Strategy and Evolution returned to the Gloucestershire estate for the third year running with new challenges, testing the diverse range of skills that scouting and guiding teaches to young people.

Strategy is aimed at 10 to 14 year olds and releases nearly 1,500 young people into a 3,000 acre play area, as they battle it out to win the most points in eight hours.

The team who strategises the best wins the coveted Strategy trophy and individual prizes donated by Cotswold Outdoors.

Activities this year included first aid, inflatable assault courses, caving, fire building and laser clay.

Participants were also put to the test in their ability in planning the most effect walking route.

Prior to the event, organiser Lewis Dangerfield said: “We are back for our third year and we continue to develop the events to provide young people aged 10 to 25 fun and challenging weekends, which take them out of their comfort zones and allow them to test their skills and interact with their peers from across the country.

"I need to say a big thank you to the ongoing support from our volunteers and local companies who work tirelessly throughout the year.”

Sister event Evolution, meanwhile, is targeted at 14-25 year olds and is a 15-mile hike around the Cotswold’s with fewer, but larger challenges, along the way.

The aim is to get the quickest time around the course, with winners in a range of different age categories.

Every year participants tackle a different ‘surprise’ challenge and this year’s event is no different.

Hikers will encounter a carefully planned trial that will put all of their skills to the test.

Evolution takes place on Friday, June 30 and Sunday, July 2.

Visit s-e.org.uk for more information.