Carshalton teenager is set to represent the UK at a huge European scouting event in the Netherlands this summer.

Michael Rowley-Valencia, 16, will be the only person from Sutton alongside 300 others at Roverway 2018 in July and August.

The event is a gathering of scouts and guides, aged 16 to 22, from across the continent which will see more than 3,000 young people from nearly every European nation.

Michael said: “I want to have the opportunity of experiencing international scouting.

“I have learned loads of new skills for life and developed my confidence and team-working since I became a scout.”

He is the only young person who passed selection from the borough and will be part of the UK Contingent as they embark on a nine-day adventure after gathering in Amsterdam.

They will move to The Hague for the beachside ceremony before splitting up into small multinational teams and journeying around the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Michael will be challenged to build a camp in a unique location – such as on a roof, a raft, or a beach – undertake community work to help people in the area, and ride a classic Dutch tandem bike.

UK Contingent chief scout Bear Grylls said: “I’d like to say a massive good luck to our brilliant UK Contingent, they are heading off on the trip of a lifetime.

“The diversity of people they will meet remind us all about what the world has to offer – they will experience new cultures and make many new friends, becoming ever more tolerant and caring about others through this experience.”

Michael is part of the Surrey branch of the group.

Roverway 2018 will run between July 21 and August 2.