A dream trip to Chile for four Keighley Scout members nearly ended over the crisis of former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet.

The four are due to jet out to Chile next week to take part in the World Jamboree. But it was not until 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 to meet with Chilean authorities and assess the situation.

UK contingent leader Stuart Little, said: "Wherever we went there was clear evidence of the commitment of the Chilean government to the success of the jamboree and 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, Assistant District Commissioner for Keighley Scouts, said: "It would have been a tragedy if all that work and anticipation had been in vain."

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