A GROUP of adventurous teenagers cycled from Harpenden to London to raise money for a forthcoming charity trip to India.

The 16 members of the Harpenden Explorer Scout Unit battled against abysmal weather on the 53-mile journey which took them to the Ghana High Commission in Belgrave Square to meet its Counsellor for Consular Affairs.

The challenge was to raise funds for a trip the unit are taking next summer to Ghana, where they will be helping to refurbish the accommodation for families to stay at a local hospital in Hohoe while their loved ones are being treated.

The route took the team of 14 to 15 year olds along the Nickey Line to Hemel Hempstead where they joined the towpath along the Grand Union Canal and on to Paddington before they went on to cycle through Hyde Park and onto their destination.

One of the organisers and leaders, Miles Radcliffe, said: “I thought it was really difficult because of the weather but I was very impressed by all the scouts and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Despite being battered by rain and wind, the challenge ran smoothly apart from an unexpected swim for one of the group, Rory Scrace, after he fell into the canal due to a locked chain and a couple of punctures. He said: “It was wet and cold but I really enjoyed it – after a change of clothes from the fall in the canal.”

The group thanked all of the dedicated helpers and parents who made the cycle ride the success it was.

To find out more about the project or to make a donation visit their website at www.justgiving.com/Scouts-Ghana-Expedition-2011

n A NEW Explorer Scout unit will open in Kinsbourne Green later this year.

The Kinsbourne Green Explorer Scouts, which will be housed in the village’s existing scout hut, will open on September 10, welcoming teenagers aged between 14-and-a-half and 18. It will add to two existing units in the area, which have more than 100 members between them.

Unit leader Nigel Marriott said: “We believe that the young people involved with the unit will find many aspects of explorer scouting both challenging and inspiring, as well as being great fun.

“The older members of the unit will be encouraged to take an active role in the management of the group and so will have a great opportunity to develop their leadership skills.”

An open day for those interested in joining will take place on May, 23. For more information visit www.k-e-s.org.uk