Cubs and brownies join Saffron Walden Junior Jailbreak

The challenge, which took place at the Jarmen Centre in Newmarket on Sunday, November 3, is a version of the scouts' annual jailbreak event, but aimed at younger children.

More than 130 children built jails from bamboo cane and tarpaulin and completed a series of challenges to avoid capture from guides and scouts hiding in the woods.

Cubs and brownies ran around to evade capture from scouts and guides (Image: Saffron Walden District Council) Participants ran around with camouflaged faces to explore the great outdoors, with "much fun had by all".

The children worked in teams to read maps, plan their routes, make potato towers and think tactically to avoid being squirted by guides and scouts with water pistols.

Clavering Cubs were declared the winners, with Dunmow Brownies coming in close second.

The event finished with cookies, hot chocolate and singing around the campfire.

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Leanne Kell, leader for the Thaxted Beaver and Scouting group and district commissioner for Gilrguiding, organised this year's event and said she was "proud to see how the children embraced the activities and worked together".

She said: "The children had a wonderful time exploring the vast wooded area of Newmarket in a safe and secure way.

"They enjoyed the independence and gained skills and knowledge along the way.

"We very much look forward to running the event again in 2025."