Ukrainian children 'far from danger' at jamboree

A scouting leader from Ukraine said children could enjoy a week "far from danger" during the Essex International Jamboree.

Twenty-one youngsters from the war-torn country are among more than 4,500 children and teenagers at the event in Roxwell, near Chelmsford, until Saturday.

Antonina Prudko said they had to collect their visas in Warsaw, Poland, before travelling by bus, train and plane to Essex.

"We are here and really happy to be here," she told the BBC.

"We managed to collect children from different Ukrainian cities and get here, far from danger.

"They are feeling more secure here and they have a very pleasant time meeting new friends and doing activities."

The first Essex county jamboree was held in Priory Park, Southend-on-Sea, in 1927 and was visited by the founder of the scouting movement, Robert Baden-Powell.

It has been a four-yearly event since then and in 1949 it was opened to international scouts for the first time.

Eva, nine, was among the group who travelled from Ukraine to this year's jamboree.

"We can talk to people from other countries and we can make new friends," she said.

"I think this is really cool, it's the best idea."

During its time in Essex, the event has also been held at the county showground at Great Leighs and at Kirby-le-Soken, near Frinton-on-Sea.

More than 40 countries have been represented at this year's event, which was pulled together by 1,500 adult volunteers.

Joint-jamboree chief Paul Walker said it had a "fantastically magical atmosphere".

"They’re getting stuck in to being themselves for a week in a field and away from mums and dads - and having a great time," he added.

"They’re going to have memories for life here."

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