Vi Kirk from Craig's presents Christopher Sisk, Claire McAroe and Mark Craig with a cheque to fund their Polish trek

A LOCAL scout troop has secured funding for three intrepid explorers to have the chance to complete the challenge of a lifetime.

Engineering and construction products distributors, Craig's will be sponsoring Christopher Sisk, Claire McAroe and Mark Craig to travel to Eastern Europe to gain their European Explorer Belt, one of the most challenging awards in the scouting world.

Craig's Company Secretary, Vi Kirk presented the three scouts with their expedition money this week at the company's new premises in Lisburn.

Managing Director David Craig commented, "The Explorer Belt is one of the highest Scouting Awards you can achieve in Ireland and we are delighted to sponsor these brave Venture Scouts. An experience like this can be a life-changing one and we wish them every luck for the expedition."

The Explorers will work in teams of two and will have to hike their way around the Polish countryside in August this year. As part of this physical, mental and personal challenge, they will have to find their way from the drop point back to the base camp, meeting locals, working with them and learning about the Polish culture along the way.

One of the scouts taking part, Claire McAroe stated, "We are all really excited to be going on the expedition. It will be a real adventure. I think it will be such a challenge, not just physically but mentally too, although our training has already helped us to prepare."