JAKE Ellis from Minehead has joined 30,000 scouts from across the world at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

Jake’s 12-day trip of a lifetime to Kirara-hama began last Tuesday and ends tomorrow (Saturday).

A spectacular opening ceremony started the adventure, in which young people from more than 200 countries have been taking part.

They have been camping, living and challenging themselves, and Jake has been able to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and learn about the events of 1945, as well as global issues such as the environment and human rights, as well as trying out water activities such as wind surfing, snorkelling and raft building.

“We have been preparing for so long and now we are here,” said Jake. “It is really odd to actually be here. I can’t quite comprehend it.

“I have made so many new friends from all over the world and I am looking forward to making more.”

Jake is one of a group of 36 young people aged 14 to18 from across Somerset attending the jamboree, supported by four adult volunteers.

Rob Cash, a scout leader from Yeovil, said: “I’ve see the young people go from 36 strangers to 36 best friends – it is just unbelievable.

“This adventure is allowing them to experience nationalities and cultures from all over the world. It is quite incredible.”