A teenager is preparing for the trip of a lifetime after being chosen to represent the United Kingdom at a scout jamboree in Japan.

Lilee Hardy Sin, from the 2nd Croydon Scout Group, will be part of a unit of 36 people aged 14 to 17 from the UK, guided by four volunteer leaders from south east and south west London.

The 14-year-old was selected after an event at Polyapes Scout Campsite, Cobham, Surrey, where she had to do team activities and creativity tests to show why she should be part of the unit.

Preparations for the jamboree have now begun and will continue over the next year until the 10 day camp begins in Kirara-hama next year.

During the jamboree, Lilee will join with 30,000 Scouts from around the world and they will camp, live and work together for 10 unforgettable days of celebration and international friendship.

"They will work together to find out about each countries cultures and faiths, learn new skills, take part in adventurous activities and tackle some of the biggest issues facing the world today.

Lilee said: “This is such an amazing opportunity and I am absolutely overjoyed to be given a chance to go to Japan.

The whole idea of the world scout jamboree is mind blowing, getting to meet a group of people from around south London, and then going all the way to Japan together and do things some people would never dream doing.

“I personally have never been away from my parents for more than a week, and I think it’s a great opportunity to get a feel of what it will be like when I get older.”

And Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “Congratulations to Lilee and all the other young people who have been selected to represent their communities at the world scout jamboree in Japan in 2015.

“Over the course of the jamboree these young people will be able to meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and experiences and be challenged to think about global issues in a new light.

“I wish them all the best and I know they are going to have an amazing time over the 12 months in the run up to the event.”