KNUTSFORD scouts are celebrating victory after winning first prize in an orienteering and camping challenge.

More than 650 Scouts, Guides and Explorers took part in the 56th Annual Cheshire Hike on October 5 and 6.

This physically demanding event sees hikers aged between 10 and 17 tackle a tough two-day test of endurance.

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Teams have to plot their route from allocated start points dotted around the Cheshire countryside.

After reaching the Saturday night base camp near Beeston Castle, they had to pitch tents, cook a hot evening meal and work out how to get to the finish at Malbank School in Nantwich the following day.

The Scouts were spread across three age categories and hiked between 30km and 60km depending on their age.

Those who hiked in the middle and older age group had to carry all their kit for the weekend, including their tent, stove and food.

Teams are scored on route-finding, time-keeping, completion of incidents at checkpoints and camping skills.

Stuart Kirkham, from Knutsford Scouts, said: “Scouts from Knutsford all did incredibly well navigating, hiking, cooking, and camping and enjoying the silent disco and cinema under the stars.

“One of the teams, Logan Walley and Alex Hogg, won the first prize in their age group for the Knutsford & Alderley District.”

Altogether, the 650 youngsters clocked up 36 million steps and walked 23,870km.

The expedition was only made possible thanks to 350 adult volunteers.

The next big Scouting adventure is a trip to the International Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland in summer 2025.

Anyone interested in joining Scouting in Knutsford, volunteering, or making a donation can visit akdistrictscouts.org.uk