AFTER more than three decades of the annual district scout trek, 1st Matchborough Scouts from Redditch have finally scooped the coveted first place, in their greatest achievement to date.

The competition covers the Hereford and Worcestershire scouting groups with more than two hundred teams competing for that top spot. The trek itself gets scouts to use orienteering, map-reading and general awareness skills around the Inkberrow area.

A spokesman said: "Matchborough Scouts entered two teams and not only did they win it, but the second team came in it at a very respectable top 15 finish out of well over two hundred from across the region. And with it being trekking with maps, dare I say Matchborough definitely put Redditch on the map this year."

Overall it been a successful year for the Matchborough troop which also won the Rolling the Stone Challenge, at Redditch district camp. The concept is to transport a heavy large stone across a field with whatever resources are available, in the quickest way and 1st Matchborough will retain the stone until a successful challenge from another group in Redditch comes along.

The spokesman added: "Aaron Badger, the scout leader from 1st Matchborough, was delighted by both wins, but, it was plain to see that the District Trek 2014 was the real icing on the cake in these back-to-back victories for his youngsters.

"I am sure with the new year fast approaching the scout group will be looking to retain and add more to their honours list."