SCOUTING teenagers Michael Drew and Ben Kelsey have returned from the trip of a lifetime after meeting thousands of scouts from all over the world.

Ben, of Newton Aycliffe, and Michael, of West Cornforth, enjoyed three and a half weeks in Thailand which was the host for the Scouts World Jamboree 2002.

The two were among 3,000 English Scouts who made the journey to camp out with another 29,000 Scouts from throughout the world.

Ben, 17, said: "It was amazing, everyone wanted to say hello and speak to you.''

"People were even coming up and asking for our autographs. The atmosphere was fantastic,'' said Michael, 16.

The idea behind the Jamboree is for the Scouts to learn all about the different cultures and how their counterparts carry out scouting traditions.

It cost £2,500 each for the boys, who are from 1st Newton Aycliffe Scout Group, to go to the event but they worked hard to raise the money themselves through holding various sponsored events.

They were also backed by different organisations including The Princes Trust, The Royal British Legion, 3M, Roman, Greg Little Testing Centre, Great Aycliffe Town Council and West Cornforth Parish Council.

One of the highlights of the whole trip was a visit to a Thai school where the teenagers helped build a playground and spent time with the youngsters.

Ben said: "That really was one of the most memorable things for me.''

Scouting worker Ian Johnson appealed for more adult volunteers. Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact him on 07808 443799.