MORE than 7,000 Scouts tackled challenges and tested their nerve at Kent Scouts' Big Event at the showground in Detling, near Maidstone, on Saturday and Sunday.

Activities they took part in included "ice" climbing, walking on a monkey bridge, abseiling and coming face-to-face with some slinky reptiles.

The weather stayed fine for the event which had been put together with the help of more than 400 adults. County commissioner Kelvin Holford was delighted with the way it went.

He said: "There is so much to do, and I love the way all the different ages are mucking in together. I am very proud that it has all gone off so well - we have never tried anything quite like this before."

Andy Trill, centenary director for Kent Scouts, added: "This year we haven’t had two days back to back of good weather - but we have had it this weekend. I can hardly believe it."

One popular attraction was a reptile tent where youngsters could stroke several pythons, and get up close to some iguanas.

At the ice climbing, which was rigged up using special polystyrene, children were testing their nerve by climbing up the wall, using ice picks and being winched up, and then abseiling back down.

At the monkey bridge, youngsters were helped along the 6ft high rope by Peter Taylor and Jeremey Goodhew, of St Luke's Maidstone.

Other activities laid on included water activities, inflatables, gyroscopes, robot wars, a Ferarri race challenge, laser shooting, assault courses, Guide dog walking and quad biking.

The event was the culmination of celebrations in the county by the 16,500 Kent Scouts to mark the Scouting centenary this year.