Bear Grylls and comedian David Walliams join Scouts at the International Scout Jamboree at the Kent Showground in Detling

Published: 00:00, 07 August 2013 | Updated: 08:55, 08 August 2013

Thousands of Scouts and Guides welcome special guests Chief Scout Bear Grylls and comedian David Walliams to the International Scout Jamboree in Kent

Thousands of young Scouts got a glimpse of their movement’s most famous member when Kent hosted an international jamboree.

Excitement was at fever pitch as chief Scout Bear Grylls arrived by helicopter at the Kent Showground in Detling, bringing with him surprise celebrity guest, comedian and former Scout David Walliams.

The firm friends, both wearing dark glasses and woggles, were met by the massive 6,500-strong crowd from 30 countries attending the week-long Kent International Jamboree .

Climbing and curling to archery and wood-turning to woggle workshops were among the activities on offer, plus an exhibition of Scouting history and a cinema.

The event was one of the largest gatherings of its kind.

Bear said: “As Chief Scout I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to get involved in the adventure. Scouting gets adults and young people outdoors and active. It boosts your confidence, and teaches life skills that are hard to find elsewhere. That’s why Scouting is more popular than ever.”