EXPLORER scouts from South Zeal have won a major annual scouting event in the county.

The Jedis – a team of four from 1st South Zeal Scouts – won the Hurdlestone Challenge, a test of orienteering skill and other scouting knowledge, over the weekend of July 7 and 8.

The Devon orienteering challenge is held every year as part of a camp for scouts and guides in the heart of the South Devon countryside. This year it was celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Winning the event overall were experienced Hurdlestoners Finlay Tabor, Josh Glanville, Ruth Frangleton and Luke Skilton.

Two other teams from the 1st South Zeal group also took part – the Woklings and the Inkas.

The challenge involved 80 teams of young people from 11 to 14 who gathered in glorious weather to navigate a circuit of 15 bases. Having used their map-reading skills to reach each base, they were then given tasks to complete ranging from first aid to archery and rifle and pistol shooting.

Points were awarded both for completing the course and achieving these tasks.

Scout leader Heather Johns said: ‘1st South Zeal have taken part in the Hurdlestone Challenge for many years, winning the occasional base but never the top three!

‘This year was different – congratulations to the Inkas for covering so many bases, the Woklings on winning a base prize and The Jedis for winning the event overall.’

Two members of the winning team – Josh and Ruth – have been selected to represent Devon at the World Scout Jamboree in North America next year.

They are working with two other Mid Devon Explorer Scouts Tom Coton and Ben Browne to fundraise for their trip. Their crowdfunding site can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/middevonscoutswsj