FIVE former Explorer Scouts from Fenland have taken to the sea this week for a trip of a lifetime, crewing a 49-foot sailing ship called Ocean Scout around Europe.

Twins Edward and Alastair Glen, 15, from Benwick, are currently making the journey with 15-year-olds Giovanni Fiore from Benwick and Caleb Adaway from Upwood, along with 20-year-olds Philip Taylor from Benwick and James Knott from Wisbech.

The twins’ father, Rod Glen, is the Benwick group scout leader, and said: “All the lads take part in Benwick War Hammer Club and were all Explorer Scouts in Benwick until the group folded.

“This was an activity that the boys would have done through scouting, and we decided to still go ahead with the trip. We managed to attract funding for most of the costs.”

The six former scouts are sailing with Adventures Offshore, and left the UK from Ipswich on Sunday. They will visit the Netherlands, Belgium and France before returning to Eastbourne on Sunday.

Rod explained: “The ship has a skipper and two mates, and the six lads will have to do all the work, from cooking to sailing the boat. They had some training on the first day, and then they set sail.

“We are very proud of the youngsters, and I hope it will be a life changing experience for them. When we dropped them off they were very excited, and looking forward to the trip.”

Half the funds for the trip came from Norfolk Boat, a charity that promotes sailing for young people, and other donations came from Wisbech Round Table and Lord de Ramsey.

Rod added: “When they return, the lads will put together a presentation, to show their backers.”