Almost 100 children, parents and friends gathered to help young people from Watford prepare for a trip to the United States.

The 40 young people will be joining more than 50,000 children from around the world at a "Camporee" later this year.

The children are all members of the Adventurers and Pathfinders organisation, which is run by the Seventh Day Adventists Church in north Watford and met on Sunday at the Stanborough Park Community Centre.

Among the guests at the event was former chairman of Watford and vice president of Watford North Scouts district councillor Rabi Martins.

Drawing on his own scouting experience councillor Martins applauded the young people for joining the Adventurers and Pathfinders family, saying they would carry the lessons and memories from being part of such a collegiate club for all their lives.

He also praised the volunteers and supporters without whom the organisation could not be the force for good it has become.

Club director Florence Allen thanked everyone who supported the event with a special mention for the event sponsor Saif Alum of the Prince of Bengal.

A charity auction raised over £1,200 pounds to help subsidise the trip for the youngsters.