LAST weekend's Avon Scout and Guide Jamboree in Almondsbury was a demonstration of the way the movement is constantly evolving to meet changing times.

Around 2,500 youngsters from South Gloucestershire and across the former Avon area attended the four day event at Woodhouse Park.

"It was a wonderful blend of the old and new - from high tech pursuits like using computers for music making to traditional activities like tent pitching and camp fire singsongs," said Assistant County Commissioner Philip Bird. "The Scout and Guide movements are forever moving with the times but the core values remain unchanged."

He said the Jamboree - which also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the purchase of Woodhouse Park by the Scout movement - was resounding success.

"The weather was fantastic and the rain held off right until the closing ceremony on Monday. Brownies, Cubs, Rainbows and Beavers visited the event on the Saturday and Sunday and were able to sample what awaits them when they move up to senior Scouting and Guiding."

Despite the extensive facilities at Woodhouse Park, organisers had to hire additional fields and bring in other amenities to cope with the heavy influx of young people.

Further information on joining Scouting is available from www.avonscouts.org.uk or by calling 01454 613006. For information on guiding, visit girlguiding.org.uk or call 0207 834 6242.