SCOUTS from Ellesmere Port and Neston joined 700 other youngsters to hike across Cheshire.

Ellesmere Port & Neston Scouts helped to cover a total of 30,000km at the weekend as the Cheshire Scouts’ annual hike competition took place on the county’s lanes and footpaths.

The Chester Hike tests map reading and navigation, observation and practical skills over the two days, with participants set challenges at each of the checkpoints.

Prizes were awarded in each of the age categories, and the Ellesmere Port & Neston winners were: David Price and Tom Price of 1st Burton in Wirral in the Junior section; Michael Murray and Calum Heslop of 1st Willaston in the Intermediates; Euan Kendal and Alfie Mayhenn from Discovery ESU in the Seniors, and Callum Reid and Stephen Washington – also from Discovery ESU – won their Senior Plus section.

The hike began in 1964 and is now an eagerly awaited date in the calendar.

Deputy County Commissioner Dave Hopley said: “We had participants as young as 11 taking part carrying their full equipment for 30km with an overnight stop. The oldest age group hiked a minimum of 53km, with the option of adding an extra 5km leg.

“The whole weekend is huge undertaking with, as well as the hundreds of young girls and boys taking part, we need a whole army of adults to man the checkpoints, staff the start and finish, acts as route marshals, look after the evening campsites and generally make sure everyone is safe during their challenging experience.”

The first hikers set off at 7.30am on Saturday from three separate sites, with everyone eventually meeting up at Poynton Lesiure Centre for the presentations on Sunday afternoon.