SCOUTS from an Oxford estate hunted high and low around London to help mark 10 years of an international disaster charity.

The seven-strong team from Blackbird Leys, aged 10 to 14, took part in a scavenger hunt to celebrate a decade since charity Shelterbox started.

About 500 Scouts from all over the country took part in the challenge, where teams navigated their way around London, following a series of clues, while carrying two of the big green boxes, which are handed out to victims of disasters.

The organisation responds to events around the world, such as the current floods in Pakistan, sending out the boxes which contain everything a family needs to survive.

Each £490 box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless.

The Scout teams were marked on speed as well as their answers, and got extra points for mystery items they scavenged on their route around the capital city.

Starting from the Scout movement’s London hostel at Baden Powell House, in South Kensington, the team from Oxford’s largest estate walked eight miles across the capital, passing landmarks including the Natural History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

Duncan Bowler, leader of the 35th Oxford Scouts, said: “It was a challenge carrying the boxes around London, but they had a thoroughly good day.

“I think now they all appreciate that there are others less well off than they are.”

To date the Shelterbox scheme has helped families in 75 countries.

Mr Bowler said: “It was great to be able to have a look at the contents of the boxes and wonder how everything fits inside.

“The Scouts carried around two boxes as part of the scavenger hunt, taking photos of interesting places and people with their Shelterbox.”

Along the route, the Scouts also had to find the answers to questions, such as how many archways there are on the Royal Albert Hall.

Mr Bowler added: “There were many highlights to the day, including having two policemen in the boxes, taking the boxes through a revolving door and having a photo taken outside Baden Powell House.”

l The 35th Oxford Scout group meets at its Sandy Lane headquarters on Thursdays, between 7pm and 8.30pm. For more information, email duncan@35thoxford.com