A group of Hinchley Wood scouts emerged triumphant from one of the toughest hiking events in the country.

The 1st Hinchley Wood group entered five teams into the Four Inns Walk in the Peak District, with the fastest finishing in 14 hours and 25 minutes.

The 66km competitive event takes place across 24 hours and comprises 600m ascents and tough cross-country traverses, with one third of competitors failing to finish each year.

Three members of the explorer team, Louis Wyborn, 17, Emma Beaney 18 and Charlotte Beaney, 17, finished in 15 hours and 20 minutes, making them the fastest team of U25s and the winners of a trophy.

Louis said: “It was the hardest thing I have ever done. The long, steep climb toward the last checkpoint was beyond awful; my feet and ankles were so swollen and blistered I could barely walk.

“At the halfway point you are virtually rock climbing which leaves you totally exhausted for the longer road sections towards the end of the route.”

More than 100 teams competed in this year’s event, with just 61 per cent of participants completing the course.