A Dartford scouting veteran has been given a rare opportunity to meet legendary survival instructor and TV star Bear Grylls as she represents the UK at a major international scouting event.

Gwyn Muckelt, 51, is currently representing the UK at the 24th World Scout Jamboree taking place in West Virginia until August 2.

Over the course of the two weeks, Gwyn has had the amazing opportunity to meet people from all over the globe as well as taking part in an amazing skills exchange and being challenged to think about global issues in a new light.

Gwyn started her venture as part of the International Service Team (IST) who are the driving force behind the Jamboree.

The team number 6,000 in total with nearly 1,000 coming from across the UK, with their job being to make the Jamboree happen.

Gwyn was allocated a role with the UK Food House, serving a taste of home to UK participants, whilst also promoting UK cuisine (including cups of English Breakfast Tea, and traditional fish and chips).

"I'm looking forward to working with a mix of people, and serving our great food to people from lots of different cultures.

"Over the three weeks, I will constantly be learning new ways to communicate with people who may not speak English," she said.

The event was opened by UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls who said: "World Scout Jamborees only happens every four years and tens of thousands of Scouts attend each one. They are incredible festivals of peace, friendship and adventure. "Young people will make friends for life with people from over 150 countries, experience different food, language and culture while learning new skills. It will be the journey of a lifetime.

"The 2019 Jamboree, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet.

"The theme is 'Unlock a new world' – focusing especially on how we can create a sustainable world together."