Bear Grylls visits youngsters in Leeds in his role as Chief Scout

In his role as Chief Scout he visited the Central Yorkshire Scouts as they held an activity day to thank members for helping local charities.

The section consists of some 7,000 members from Leeds and Wakefield, some of whom have been working towards the Youth Commissioners’ Challenge badge which is awarded for activities to benefit Candlelighters or the Leeds Children’s Hospital Scout and Guide Group.

He said: “I have spent the weekend all over the country where there were 5,000 kids doing a world record and then I come here and see kids supporting a cancer charity.

“This is what scouting is about - doing our best and making a difference where we can.

“I feel so proud of these kids and it is a privilege for me to be here.”

During his visit to the Bramhope Activity Centre Grylls met youngsters who were doing archery, climbing, fire-lighting and learning other survival skills.

He also officially opened the centre’s new low ropes course by using an axe to cut the rope - eventually successful after the third attempt.

“Never give up”, he joked as he finally succeeded, and encouraged youngsters to be part of the scouting adventure.

He said: “Part of the motto is we make a difference to people’s lives, reach so many different places and communities and give skills for life but also skills for adventure and thousands of kids will be part of this.”

Before being whisked away by helicopter, Grylls added: “There is something really special going on with scouting in Yorkshire. It is growing faster than ever before and reaching more and more different areas than before.

“Yorkshire’s spirit of community, going that extra mile for people - that is what scouting does so well and I love coming to see Yorkshire.”