IT has to be good if a teenager is prepared to miss his 18th birthday party and Christmas with his family - but Scout Robert Curry has a good excuse.

He is heading to the 20th International World Jamboree in Thailand, which for a scout is the holiday of a lifetime.

Robert - believed to be the only Teesside scout going to the jamboree in December - was only sure of being included in the party recently after raising the money for the trip.

But now his finances are sorted out, nothing will stop him going.

Robert, who attends Billingham Synthonia Scout Group, is looking forward to three weeks of activities and sight-seeing in the exotic Far East.

The 17-year-old said: "The idea is to experience cultures from round the world.

"I'm really excited about going, but the only drawback is missing Christmas and my 18th birthday. But I'll have a great party when I get back."

At one point Robert thought his chances of making the trip were slim. Despite raising £1,575 towards the cost, the group were still £800 short.

However, Freemasons from the Eanred Lodge in Billingham agreed to stump up the rest.

A lodge spokesman said: "It was felt by members of the lodge that having worked so hard to raise the amount, it would have been a pity of their efforts had been to no avail."

Robert also contributed by putting his wages into the fund while he worked with a local builder.