A few sharp moves on the dance floor are helping one group of youngsters head off on a trip of a lifetime.

Dartford District Scout Group held a family disco at Stone Bowls Club to raise funds for some members to travel to North America.

Seven of the group have been chosen to represent Dartford district at the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, USA, which takes place between Monday, July 22, and Friday, August 2, next year.

Thomas Ancill, Megan O’Brien, Katrina Fordham, Conor Boyling, CJ Mackney, Tessa Villers and Jonathan Warren need to raise £3,945 each to travel to the meet, along with 3,600 others from the UK.

The disco was their first fundraiser but they have much more planned including a karaoke night, quiz nights and a Royal wedding and FA Cup Final garden party. They have also approached businesses in the area for sponsorship.

The seven were chosen after taking part in an activity and team building weekend in Maidstone.

Dartford’s deputy mayor Cllr David Mote, who was at the disco, attended the 14th World Scout Jamboree in Norway in 1975. He said: “We are all very proud of the super seven Scouts representing Dartford at the jamboree and the council is supporting their fundraising activities.

“We know this will be a life-changing event for these young people and hope businesses around Dartford will also join us to help them realise this opportunity.”

Thomas’ mum, Sara Ancill said everyone was immensely proud of them.

She said: “With such strong competition, securing a place is an achievement in itself and it is a privilege for the young people to be offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“The selection process is only the beginning and the hard task of fundraising now begins.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support so far and hope this will continue throughout their efforts to realise the Scout Jamboree ambition.”