CORNISH scout leader Wez Swain is gearing up to walk from Brownsea Island – the birthplace of scouting – back to his scout hut in Torpoint, surviving only on pasties.

Tackling a distance of 227 miles in just 10 days, Wez hopes to raise money to enable a contingent of Cornish scouts to attend the next world jamboree in Sweden.

Wez (pictured) is one of three scout leaders who have been selected to take 36 Cornish scouts on a life-changing adventure to the next world scout jamboree in August 2011.

"The jamboree is a fantastic opportunity for young people aged 14 to 17 to experience the cultures of different countries and meet with more than 30,000 scouts from all across the world," he said.

"When I found out I had been selected as one of four leaders I nearly cried with excitement. But when I heard I would have to inspire the scouts to raise £80,000 I nearly cried with fear. I didn't know where to start, let alone how to inspire others how to do it.

"After talking it over with friends, a challenge slowly formed. By the end of the evening it had been decided that I would walk from Brownsea Island to Torpoint along the coast path – while living only on pasties."

Wez says being a member of the scouts in Torpoint when he was a boy gave him a great start – and he is determined to help other young people. His day job involves working with children who have been excluded from school and he also runs circus skills workshops. He hopes his local community will support him in his coast path challenge.

"I am aiming to walk this path over 10 days – it's the equivalent of walking a marathon every day without rest. I will be carrying my tent and sleeping bag on my back. My friends have been very generous and I hope other people in Torpoint and Cornwall will sponsor me if they can. Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and help give these young people an opportunity of a lifetime."

For further information or to make a donation, contact Wez Swain on 07773 302854 or e-mail wez@wsjkernow.com For more details on the Cornish scouts going to the next world scout jamboree visit, www.wsjkernow.com