A GROUP of teenagers from Inverclyde are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Japanese capital of Tokyo.

Nine young people will jet out to the land of the rising sun for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree next year.

They are ready to brush up on Japanese customs and culture before staying with host local families prior to moving to the jamboree site in Kirara-Hama, which is in Yamaguchi City.

The team consists of Catriona Arkley, Ciaran McGuiness, Declan Bolster, Ellie Wilkie, George Smith, Jack Davidson, Jack O’Rourke, Manos Kiriakakis and Paula Gray.

David Love, one of four volunteer leaders who will go out with the group, said: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it will open up their horizons and imagination.

“The young people are looking forward to meeting up with other Scouts from all over the world.

“And the fact they are staying in Tokyo, the biggest city in the world, is a unique thing. They will stay with host families which will be a cultural experience.” The local group underwent a rigorous selection process to be chosen for the prestigious event and will form a 36-strong Celtic Connections Unit of 14 to 17-year-olds from other parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Paula Gray, 16, of Greenock’s Terra Nova Explorer Scout Unit, said: “Since joining Scouts five years ago I have heard amazing stories about jamborees and I wanted to experience it for myself.

“I am over the moon at achieving that goal and looking forward to meeting people from all over the world and seeing the kind of things they do in scouting.” During their Japanese journey the local contingent will learn new skills, take part in adventurous activities and tackle some of the biggest issues facing the world today.

They will also get the opportunity to remember the victims of Hiroshima at a ceremony at the Peace Dome, and make visits to Beijing and Dubai.

Teenager Catriona Arkley, of Ardgowan Explorer Scouts, said: “Understanding Japanese culture is important so we do not offend our hosts.

“I am trying to get used to the different food we will be eating on our trip — at our training weekend I tried sushi and miso soup for the first time.” Inverclyde will also be represented in the International Service Team of adult volunteers, who will help set up and run the camp.

This delegation includes Katie McFarlane, Scott Renfrew, Jonathan Webb, Sara McCaig, Nathan Beck, Jonathan McKelvie, Gillian Dick and Jill Conway.