A TEAM of four scouts from Ramsbottom finished with big smiles after a tough 14 miles.

For they completed a 14-mile hike and an assortment of challenges to emerge as runners-up in the popular Pike View Challenge.

The annual event, in countryside near Chorley, was organised by Bolton South District Scouts and involved teams from 37 Scout troops.

Now, 3rd Ramsbottom Scouts, attached to St Joseph’s Church, are celebrating after taking second place overall. Their squad comprised George Kenyon, Hannah France, George Tanner and Anna Woodcock.

Scout leader Mr Simon Tanner, George’s father, said: “The event involves the teams being given a route card and an Ordnance Survey map and compasses. They have to plot the route and set off to complete 14 miles.

“At each of the checkpoints set up en route, they are given challenges to complete. This could be completing a set of five knots, working as a team to hook ducks and other tasks to enable them to work as a team. At the same time, they have to carry equipment in a rucksack.”

He continued: “We were delighted that our Scouts finished second out of 37 teams. Scouts came from as far away as Leicester and Yorkshire to take part. And in the same event, our cub teams came fourth and fifth.”

The 3rd Ramsbottom Scouts squad received a £20 cheque and individual certificates