SCORES of Ottery Scouts and Explorers had a RIOT on an action packed visit to Germany.

The trip was the first abroad for many youngsters and the group this week reflected on a “best ever” trip- dubbed the Return Ilsfeld Ottery Tour (RIOT).

More than 40 Scouts, Explorers and Leaders enjoyed nine-days of fun that included white-water rafting in the Austrian Alps, a visit to Stuttgart and the Mercedes Motor Museum, a jaunt to a German theme park, and a cultural exchange with families in Ottery’s twin town Ilsfeld.

Ottery youngsters even avenged the nation’s World Cup thrashing by thumping their German counterparts 10-0 in a football showdown.

Both German and English Scouts came together for games and craft activities. They also took part in Ilsfeld’s annual Woodfest Carnival night time procession with flaming torches.

“They saw a new way of life- more relaxed, friendly and informal- which contradicted the presumptions they may have had about German culture. This was a life they became quickly accustomed to!” said Group Scout Leader John Green. He added: “The friendships the Scouts and Explorers formed, and the experiences they had on this RIOT will live with them forever.

“These kinds of experiences for young people are priceless can only happen when people volunteer to make things happen. Ottery Scouts are totally indebted to our grant donors

“Without funding from the Pains Trust and Ottery town council, the Twinning Association, Norman family Trust and the UK German Exchange, the Scouts could not have enjoyed such an experience which has helped shape their lives for the better.

“We are now looking at how we can build on this and create an even stronger bond with our German cousins.”