Scouts from across the borough took part in the largest hike across Southern England the organisation has ever seen.

Young people from Enfield, Edmonton and Southgate were among the 400 participants from across the UK – a record - in the annual Southern 50 hiking challenge in the Chiltern Hills.

The Southern 50 is a winter hiking competition involving taking on one of three tough routes of up to even 50 miles which must be completed in less than 24 hours.

Rachel Buck, a 14-year-old Explorer Scout from Bush Hill Park, said: “I loved taking part in the Southern 50.  It was a great challenge in the Chiltern Hills.  I couldn’t believe it when it started to snow”.

Scout Ellie Way, 16, said: “It was cold and wet and muddy, but we had a great time. When it got dark it seemed to get even muddier, we were sliding everywhere.”

Rachel and Ellie’s team completed the smaller 30 kilometre event in 14 hours and three minutes. 

Enfield was also represented by teams of Explorer Scouts and leaders from Edmonton, Winchmore Hill, Clay Hill and Southgate.

Enfield county commissioner Jack Caine, who led a team on the 50-mile route, said: “It’s brilliant to see so many young people taking on an outdoor adventure in the winter. It’s hard work, but great fun with a real sense of achievement that lasts longer than the aching legs afterwards”.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “I think it’s so hard for young people to get out and experience the outdoors – it can be quite an intimidating place – lots of people don’t know how to get out there. Scouting provides a safe way to explore the outdoors.

“They’re going to have an adventure, but they’re going to do it with people they know and trust and they’re going to be looked after.”