Three Somerset scouting representatives have been congratulated by Bear Grylls after they represented the UK at Roverway, a European Scouting event.

Sam Stroud, from Taunton, and Will Sullivan and Megan Hallgate, both from Yeovil, travelled to Norway to represent the UK and the Scout County of Somerset.

They joined 5,000 scouts from across Europe and beyond on the beautiful fjord coastline of Lundsneset, Stavanger, to celebrate everything scouting.

After the event, Chief Scout Bear Grylls wished Sam, Will, and Megan well.

He said: “‘A massive congratulations to Sam, Will and Megan who represented the UK at Roverway 2024.

“Roverway is an amazing opportunity to discover yourself and make new friends, whilst participating in a programme that demonstrates true Scouting spirit by developing skills for life.

“The diversity of people they met reminds us all about what the world has to offer: new cultures and new friends, becoming ever more tolerant and caring about others.”

The scouting event has previously been hosted in places like Portugal or Iceland, and this year’s edition in Norway provided the opportunity of a lifetime where scouts immersed themselves in adventure and Scandinavian culture.

Will, Sam, and Meg’s trip was divided into three parts beginning with an expedition across Southern Norway for five days, followed by an international camp at Stavanger where Scouts engaged in a programme of Scouting activities and skill development, before culminating in a ferry trip to visit Copenhagen in Denmark.

After returning to English shores, Megan, a 26-year-old engineer who helped to run the event, said: “I’ve had a really enjoyable time volunteering at Roverway.

“It’s easy to think that volunteering from Scouts is about Wednesday nights in a community centre, but it’s also about amazing opportunities like this.

“Working in an international team I’ve learnt to adapt to succeed, and I’ll take these lessons home with me. The trip from Yeovil to Stavanger has been magic, the fjord is stunning.’’

Sam, 16, said: “My main memory of Roverway will be the new friends I have made and the adventures we have been on together.

“Canoeing and hiking really forged us together as a team. Representing the UK at an event like this is a real honour.’’

Will, 16, added: “Roverway is a huge cultural exchange bringing together Scouts and volunteers from around the world.

“We hiked to the sea and then canoed on the fjord, what an experience. Scouts is a massive global family. I’ve learnt so much about Norway, from food to culture, what a place!’’