SEVEN Explorer Scouts from Halesowen have been selected for an adventure of a lifetime to the land of the rising sun.

The scouts will be representing the UK at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan next year after beating off competition from across the county.

Matt Wong, aged 16, Elay Barnsley, 13, Zack Dimmock, 14, Will Jones, 14, Sam Legge, 15, Jack, 13, and Katie Parton, 16, excelled at team activities and creativity tests to get on the 36 strong team from the West Midlands.

They will be part of part of the 2,400 Scouts and Guides attending the Jamboree from across the UK and join 28,000 other scouts from across the world.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “Congratulations to the young people from Halesowen and all the other young people who have been selected to represent their communities at the World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015.

"Over the course of the Jamboree these young people will be able to meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and experiences and be challenged to think about global issues in a new light."

He added: "I wish them all the best and I know they are going to have an amazing time over the 18 months in the run up to the event."

Matt Wong, from Halesowen, said: "Anyone can go on holiday, but the chance to experience like a World Jamboree is something only a selected few will be able to.

"Scouting provides the opportunity to meet amazing people and to learn new things on our journey to Japan."

The seven are now busy coming up with fundraising events to raise £3,000 per person for the attendance fee.

Before the event the UK Contingent will travel to Tokyo in August 2015 before heading to Kirara-hama where the specially built Jamboree site is located.