MEMBERS of the 1st Watchet Sea Scout Troop braved the elements and slept outside in shelters made out of natural materials as part of a survival skill weekend.

Leaders and an ex-Royal Marine instructed the scouts, who were split into four patrols and made a camp on the Brendon Hills in November.

Using only bracken, fern, straw and wood from fallen trees, they constructed the shelters to spend the night in and built and lit fires to keep warm and cook meals.

The 18 scouts also undertook an orienteering course in the evening and one in the day and were visited by a local gamekeeper.

They were able to prepare their lunch, including fresh trout without using any cooking utensils or equipment.

All of the scouts completed the weekend having qualified for not only their survival skills badge but also their ‘Frostie Award’, having camped out in sub-zero temperatures.

Assistant Scout Leader Judi Hall said: “They all learnt a lot about surviving in the countryside and it made me proud to watch them achieve so much.

“To top it all everyone had a lot of fun.”

Anyone wishing to join or help with the group should call 01984-631126 or email scouts@watchetseascoutsgroup.org.uk