A youngster from St Ives is attempting to raise money after being selected to attend an international scout festival.

Joshua Marshall, 12, has been chosen to represent his scout group at the World Scout Jamboree which is held in America but he needs to raise the funds in order to make the trip.

The event, which is held in West Virginia, costs about £3,500 to attend, and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youngster.

Joshua’s dad, Tim, said: “There were about 80 scouts in Cambridgeshire that applied to go, and they all had to go through a selection process, and the top 40 were chosen to go.

“The selection process basically involved the kids going on a weekend camp and doing activities like navigating a group and cooking breakfast. Then at the end of the camp the top scouts were chosen.”

Joshua has been part of the scouting community since he was little and is now part of the 2nd St Ives Sea Scouts.

Tim went on to say: “The scouts are then encouraged to raise the funds for them to go to the event. The whole point of being part of the scouts is that they are able to learn value life skills that you might not get taught at school.”

The 24th World Scout Jamboree runs from July 22-August 2 and scouts from across the globe will be attending.

Tim added: “I am so proud of him. When he went to the selection camp and got chosen it just showed how he can do whatever he wants to do.

“We have been trying to raise as much money as possible to help him go, including selling things, washing cars and mowing their lawns, and charity events.

“He’s also a very keen competitive swimmer, so he has also been trying to raise money through his swimming club.”

Joshua is holding a table top sale on February 3 at Burleigh Hill Community Centre, in St Ives. For more information or to donate to the appeal, e-mail Tim on jcmarshallusajamboree@gmail.com.

You can also visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joshua-marshall.