SCOUTS packed shopping bags in a Basingstoke supermarket to boost the coffers that will fund a trip to the other side of the world.

A total of 12 Scouts from groups in north Hampshire, including Odiham and Whitchurch, were in the Sainsbury’s store in The Malls last Saturday.

They are all trying to raise £3,400 each to go to Japan in 2015 for the World Scout Jamboree, an event which takes place once every four years involving young people from 200 countries.

Some of the youngsters stood at the tills to pack shopping for customers, while others stood by the entrance to collect donations of change.

Sue Nash, assistant Cub Scout leader, said: “It went really well. We have had customers asking us why we are here and what we are doing so there has been a lot of interest.”

Izie Hensby, 16, a member of the Odiham District Scouts, said: “It’s quite a daunting task to raise the money, but we have thought of a few ideas and it should be achievable.”

Fundraising plans include holding a race night, cycling around the Isle of Wight and attempting the Three Peaks Challenge.