Happy campers are stars of the show for head Bear

AMACCLESFIELD Scout troop ‘stole the show’ as TV survival expert Bear Grylls helicoptered into Cheshire for a special international camp.

Youngsters from the 3rd Upton Priory Group met Bear at the ‘Chamboree’ event and per- suaded him to don their group neckerchief.

Bear - who is the Chief Scout - also met with more than 6,000 Scouts on Sunday while wearing the ‘distinctive colours of 3rd Macc’ unit.

The week-long Chamboree has attracted children from 23 different countries to take part in a wide range of activities, including scuba diving, high tower jump, land yachting and an ultimate wipeout-style adventure course.

Paul Johnson, Cub leader at 3rd Macclesfield Upton Priory Scout Group, said: “As (Bear) met with the excited crowd Scouts and Cubs from 3rd Macclesfield Upton Priory group stole the show.

“Katie Bean drew Bear’s attention and persuaded him to don the 3rd Macc group neckerchief, investing the world’s most famous Scout as an honorary member to rousing applause.

“For the remainder of his visit Bear Grylls wore with pride the distinctive colours of ‘3rd Macc’ flying the flag for our town.

“Hundreds of Scouts from across Macclesfield have spent the week enjoying a range of adventurous, team building and cultural activities building essen- tial skills for life.”

The Chamboree, which is held every four years in Cheshire, has a pirate theme and 3rd Macc members entered into the swashbuckling spirit with a special gateway, pirate chest birth- day cakes and also fancy dress.

The vast camp site at the Cheshire Showground in Tabley features a festival stage, circus, cinema, working canons, and shooting and archery ranges.