Famous explorer flies into Evesham

Buy photos » TV presenter and explorer Bear Grylls made a special visit to Evesham while on a tour of the UK to encourage more adults to get involved with scout groups. (s)

TV PRESENTER and explorer Bear Grylls made a special visit to the Vale in a bid to encourage more people to get involved with the Scouts.

Mr Grylls, who is the youngest Chief Scout in history, arrived in true explorer style by helicopter in Ashton-under-Hill to see more than 300 Scouts who had descended on the playing fields of Bredon Hill Middle School to enjoy a weekend of challenge and adventure.

The 'Bear in the Air' event held in the Vale was one of 16 which the intrepid explorer visited in the region as part of a UK tour to encourage more adults to take up volunteering roles for Scout groups.

The visit gave Scouts from all over the Vale the chance to talk to him about his adventures and take home his autograph.

Mr Grylls said he was delighted to meet so many members during his visit and urged adults to get involved to help out the many adventurous youngsters.

"It was great to visit Scouts across the West Midlands in the past couple of days," he said. "At every event I went to I met young people taking part in the adventure that Scouting provides.

"It is crucial though that more adults sign up as volunteers to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to join. I'm super proud to be Chief Scout and it is great to see at first hand the adventures that our members are taking part in."

Barbel Wolstencroft, District Commissioner for Evesham added: "It was exciting for the Scouts to have Bear drop in from the air. Scouting is all about adventure and it is great to have someone like Bear join in."

For more information on how to get involved with Scouting groups in the Vale visit www.scouts.org.uk.

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