Three youngsters hope to be packing bags of a different kind next year after they were sponsored to help people with their shopping.

James O’Neill, 15, Sean Knight, 15, and Katelyn Berrill, 13, need to raise £3,500 each to pay for a trip to Japan.

They are part of the Sheppey Aviator Explorer Unit and are aiming to take part in the World Scout Jamboree in July and August 2015.

A sponsored bag pack was held at Tesco, Bridge Road, Sheerness, on Sunday to raise funds for their flights and accommodation.

A group also made up of 12 six to eight-year-olds from Sheppey Beavers helped to collect a total of £165.

They need to reach a target of two thirds of the total by Christmas.

District commissioner Melvin Wilson said: “It would be a life changer for them. The people who we have sent before, when they come back they are entirely different people.

“There are loads of kids out there from all over the world and they would also get to stay with a family in Japan.”

Mr Wilson thanked an elderly couple who sent in £20 to the appeal after reading about it in the Times Guardian.

There will be a quiz night at Sheerness East Working Men’s Club, Queenborough Road, Halfway, on April 19.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are £5 a head, which includes a sausage and chip supper. Children get in for free with a fee of £2 for their food.

Teams must be a minimum of four or maximum of eight.

Email japan@sheppeyscouts.org.uk or call 07857 961776 to book tickets. Alternatively, they will be available on the door.