THE heat was on for a group of young Scouts – when they pitched their tents in a Turkish bath.

The youngsters, from across North Yorkshire and Cleveland, escaped the cold January weather by heading for the famous baths in Harrogate.

The Scouts – three dozen-strong and all aged between 12 and 6 – are currently preparing for a trip of a lifetime next year when they travel to the international World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

And to help them prepare for the 40C heat expected on their trip, they teamed up with the Turkish Baths to practice putting up their tents in its tepidarium heat room.

Assistant unit leader and Northallerton District Commissioner Cath Wright said: “Ahead of this adventure of a lifetime, four Scout leaders have been entrusted with building the unit identity and preparing the young people for the cultural differences and physical challenges they will encounter.

“This event at the Turkish Baths was one of the first such activities and we were very grateful for the opportunity.”

The 36 members of the unit, a mixture of boys and girls, each have to raise £3,020 to be able to attend the Jamboree.

The 23rd global event of its kind, it will be held in Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi City, from July 28-August 8 next year.

While in Japan, the Scouts will also visit Hiroshima Peace Park and museum – next year marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Japanese cities.

They will also have the opportunity to participate in a global development village, undertake community work, explore Japanese nature, and spend time with Japanese families.