A TEENAGER is preparing to represent his home county at a huge scouting jamboree in America.

Matt Sage, from Manningtree High School, has been chosen as one of the 117 Scouts from across Essex to take part in the event next month.

They will be given the chance to do sight-seeing before taking part in the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia from July 22.

He will then travel to Canada where he will spend time with Canadian Scouts learning about the country.

The 15-year-old from East Bergholt said: “I am honoured to be selected to represent Essex and the UK.

“Jamboree will bring together around 45,000 Scouts from over 169 countries, be the biggest party on Earth and we will experience new adventures, cultures and friendships.”

But to make the journey, Matt, from Colchester North Explorer Scouts and a young leader at 2nd Langham Beavers, has had to raise £3,800.

A percentage of that is collected by organisers to offers Scouts from developing countries the opportunity to attend.

Mum Ivana said: “Matt has been in scouting for more than 10 years.

“He attended the Essex International Jamboree in August 2016, Norjam 2018 and next year Matt has already been selected to attend EUROJAM in Poland.

“He has been holding cake sales, car boot sales, bag packing and running bingo and quizzes to raise the money.

“We are doing a car boot sale this weekend and only need £200 now for extra uniform and bits.

“The Scouts were selected in a weekend near Chelmsford where they had to carry out challenges and tests to pass.

“But it’s been fantastic.”