Four members of Keighley's Scout movement will jet out to Chile next week for the World Jamboree.

Their dream trip had been thrown into jeopardy by the crisis over Chilean former dictator General Augusto Pino-chet.

But late on Tuesday night the Scout Association ended weeks of uncertainty when it announced that the UK's 2,000-strong contingent would take part in the global gathering.

The association had sent two officials to Santiago, the Chilean capital, to meet the authorities and assess the situation.

UK contingent leader Stuart Little, who took part in the visit, says: "Wherever we went there was clear evidence of the commitment of the Chilean government to the success of the jamboree overall and in particular the attendance and safety of our party."

Emma Bailey, Cub Scout Leader at Steeton, is participating as an international service staff member. Others from the district taking part are Ryan Taylor - a Scout at 1st Silsden (St James) - and former troop colleagues Sean Troth and Matthew Dean, who are now Venture Scouts. All four have spent more than a year raising the £2,000 each needed to finance their trip.

Alistair Shand, the Assistant District Commissioner (Public Relations) for Keighley Scouts, says: "We are delighted that our young people will after all be taking part in the World Jamboree.

"They have put in a tremendous amount of effort over many months preparing for this unique international experience, and it would have been a tragedy if all that work and anticipation had been in vain.

"The safety and well being of our young people is of paramount importance, and clearly the Scout Association is fully satisfied that they will not be at any risk."

"Our warmest wishes go with all those taking part."

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