Two quick-thinking Scout helpers have been praised after coming to the rescue of a cyclist.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Will and AlexWill and Alex (Image: Archant)

Will Benfold and Alexander Daily, both 21, were taking part in the Saffron Walden District Scouts event, Jailbreak, when they came across an exhausted member of Central London Cyclists Touring Club on a bike ride in the area, who had fallen behind his group.

With their Scouting experience of first aid training, they helped him to recover. He was said by organisers to be “truly grateful” and sent an e-mail of thanks to them afterwards.

Will is an assistant leader at 5th Saffron Walden Cub Pack and Alex is a helper with the district.

Event organiser Kevin Rule said: “Jailbreak shows you what Scouting is really all about – having a fun but safe time and working together.

“We are very proud of all of the participants for their amazing efforts and especially proud of Will and Alex for showing to everyone how Scouting can help you in everyday life and positively affect others around you. A massive well done.”

Jailbreak, in its 12th year, is one of the biggest events in the Saffron Walden District Scouts calendar. A record 25 teams took part, comprising 142 Scouts, Explorer Scouts and adults.

The primary aim is for the teams to get from Point A at midday on Saturday and to get to the end base, Point B, by midday on the Sunday.

Starting the event with 10 ‘lives’, the teams are challenged to pick up extra lives en route and to avoid losing lives to catching teams of leaders, who give chase on bicycles and in cars.

It is up to the teams to decide how they eat and if they are going to camp.

This year, 1st Clavering Scout Group in the Scout section with the ‘Giants’ team, led by Will Speed, were winners.

The Explorer Scout team of ‘Andre’s Boys’ lifted the shield by not being caught at all during the event, and picking up two of six extra lives along the way.

The shield for the winning invited team went to the 1st Castle Hedingham Scouts ‘Red’ team.

More adults are needed to take on various roles within the Saffron Walden District Scouts. Contact Helen Howett by e-mail on helz49@hotmail.co.uk or call 07432 080441.