A GROUP of scouts have set up their own postal service operating to raise funds for a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip to the USA.

Nine teenagers from the Warrington West Scouts will be delivering Christmas cards throughout the areas of Penketh and Great Sankey this weekend in their bid to raise more than £35,000 in order to attend the 24th World Scout Jamboree, which takes place in West Virginia in 2019.

The scouts, who are aged between 12 and 17, are looking for donations in return for their work as postmen for the weekend.

Ruth Kilpatrick from the Warrington West Scouts said: “We’re raising funds for nine scouts who have been selected for the World Scout Jamboree in 2019.

“If people are sending Christmas cards locally within the area, rather than putting stamps on them we’re offering to go and collect them and then post them on their behalf.

“We will be collecting and redistributing over the weekend of December 9 and 10, so we’re hoping for a good uptake.”

Around 45,000 youngsters from 150 countries across the world will descend on the World Scout Jamboree to take part in activities including white water rafting, rock climbing, abseiling and potholing.

The scouts are also planning on running their card posting service next Christmas in their bid for funds.

Ruth added: “It’s a brilliant opportunity for them - they will be taking part in all sorts of outdoor pursuits while mixing with people of different nationalities from around the world.

“They’re all very excited about the jamboree but there’s a lot of money to be raised.

“We need to raise £36,000 over the next two years, so it will be quite a big challenge but we have lots of fundraising ideas.

“All these scouts have come together from different parts of Great Sankey and Penketh, and they will be working together and building relationships before going over to the states together.”

For more information email ww.wsj.2019@gmail.com or text 079588 11808 with your address.