by Lynn Cox

More than 2,300 Cub Scouts and their leaders became smugglers for a day when they visited Chatham’s Historic Dockyard.

Boys and girls from all over Kent were at the site to celebrate the Kent Cubs Big Day Out 2009 on Saturday.

They had the chance to experience life as a submariner on board HMS Ocelot, walk around the ropery and see where Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory was built.

And were treated to a trip out on the River Medway on the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle.

A Rolls Royce was guest of honour at the event - the car was presented to Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout movement, to celebrate 21 years of scouting at the 1929 World Scout Jamboree held in England.

He nicknamed the car Jamroll after the Jamboree and Rolls Royce.

The car has had several private owners since his death but in 2007 it was purchased by a charitable company so it can once again be seen and enjoyed by Scouts.

It is the first time in years the car has appeared in Kent and one Cub won a golden ticket for a ride in the vintage car.

A spokesman for the event, said: “The highlight of the day was our smuggler party which was held on the helipad and included fun and games led by the Kent Scout Hullabaloo roadshow.

“Scouting is a co-educational movement which encourages young people to experience a whole host of activities, encourages them to work in teams and to have a go at something new, and of course have loads of fun.”

To find out more details about scouting in Kent visit www.kentscouts.org.uk

For more picures see today's (Monday) Medway Messenger.