Four young people need the support of the community to achieve their dream of taking part in a once in a lifetime event.

As the Herald reported previously, Euan Ferguson, Katie Roy, Liam Hamilton and Charlie Clark of the 19th Kilwinning Scouts need to raise £15,600 between them to attend the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia next year.

The youngsters have been offered the chance to go to the world’s largest scouting event but unfortunately, their dream might be out of reach as fundraising has proven difficult.

Katie, who is 13 and goes to Kilwinning Academy, said: “Fundraising is essential as the cost for this trip is £3,900? per person and has been a team effort since September 2017 when we all found out we had been the only four young people from North Ayrshire and Arran to be selected.

“Fundraising has been difficult, and we have been reaching out to companies and various trust funds. Some have been successful, others not. We still have a large amount to raise and we hope that there is still help out there.”

Charlie, 12, also at Kilwinning Academy, said: “We are working hard on fundraising. I would be gutted if we don’t make the target. It’s the chance of a lifetime and we all had to go through a selection process to be chosen.

“I love travelling and learning about the world and other cultures and scouting in other places. It would be terrible if we miss out because of funding.”

St Matthew’s Academy pupil Liam, 14, added: “It would mean a lot to me to achieve my fundraising goal. I have worked really hard and with the support of the local community, I hope to reach my target.

“It would be disappointing if I didn’t reach my target, however, I want to take this opportunity to thank those in the community who have supported me so far.”

The scouts and their families will be packing bags at Morrison’s in Stevenston to raise funds for the event and for CLIC Sargent on Saturday, July 14.

To support the scouts, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/darren-clark-4.