AN eagerly-awaited pop concert at Port Lympne was almost certainly saved by the audience on Saturday night after organisers seriously considered calling it off due to the appalling weather conditions.

The highlight of Kent Scouts’ Totally Wild day at the animal park was due to be the spectacular evening concert for the 3,000 youngsters from all corners of Kent - plus some from as far afield as Hampshire and Warwick - who braved the elements to stay on to watch the Sugababes and others perform.

But in monsoon-like conditions the concert only got the go-ahead after a crisis meeting between the production team and health and safety officers, much to the delight of the 1,500 plus crowd that stayed for the show in Glastonbury-style ankle deep mud.

The Totally Wild day was held at the animal park as part of the county-wide celebrations to mark the centenary of the founding of the Scouting movement.

Assistant County Commissioner and this year’s Kent Scouts centenary director Andy Trill, said: "The decision to go-ahead was correct and only taken as scouting teaches young people outdoor pursuits and to 'Be Prepared’ and they were for the conditions we faced."

The concert featured several scouting bands, including The Tremors with members from Kennington, Kent favourites Cabaret Doll and The Promise, before Kent’s own X-factor star Ben Mills took to the stage ahead of the star turn, the Sugababes.

Mr Trill said: "It was a battle against the elements and sadly there was a delay due to challenging technical problems before the Sugababes headline act came on stage for their one-hour set.

"The crowds were waiting in the pouring rain for 45 minutes but despite that it was a fantastic day and night that will be long remembered by all in scouting and their families."