HUNDREDS of Scouts from around the region are meeting for a weekend of activities, which organisers expect to be a muddy affair.

More than 500 youngsters are converging on Camp Frostie, at Moorhouse, near Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, to take part in activities such as climbing, crate stacking, abseiling, and off-road karting.

Scouts from all over the North-East are attending the event, which began yesterday and finishes tomorrow.

An indoor heated central arena is providing some refuge from the winter weather.

Professional entertainers are ensuring that the creative interests of the 500 young people do not go unchallenged.

Scout leaders have also brought in a rodeo bull to test the balance and agility of the bravest girls and boys.

Camp Frostie, now in its third year, recreates an almost pop-festival atmosphere, and Radio Frostie will broadcast from the camp throughout the event.

Jonathan Chicken, assistant county commissioner for the Scout Association, said: "It has been said that young people have no stamina these days.

"In Scouts we challenge that view. Our leaders and young people are out to have a good time, meeting up with old and new friends and putting their new training scheme into practice."