EIGHT scouting ambassadors from Chippenham have visited the House of Lords to take part in a Youth Aviation Event.

The young scouts, five from the 10th Chippenham Scout Group and three from the Endeavour Explorer Scout Unit, discussed their experiences and skills with MPs at the reception.

The event aimed to raise awareness in Parliament of what young people are doing in relation to the aviation sector and to demonstrate how STEM subjects are being supported.

Chippenham Scout group leader, Chris Jones, said: “It was fantastic, it was a really great experience for everyone.

“We didn’t know what to expect before we went but the fact that the youngsters were asked to meet and greet, host and talk about our air experience with very influential people was just phenomenal.

“When you stand there and look at their faces, I’ve watched the younger ones grow up and seeing the way they behaved and matured and the ease they deal with these situations now compared to when they were younger is unbelievable.”

As well as meeting local MPs, James Gray and Michelle Donelan, the scouts were shown into the galleries of the House of Commons and House of Lords where they met Lord King from Ford.

The event also saw speeches from the head of the RAF and a keynote speech by the Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt.

The reception celebrated the achievements of the participating voluntary organisations, the personal development and benefits it can bring, and served to remind MPs that aviation is not for the privileged few.

Event sponsor, Baroness Sue Garden, said: “It is well known that the UK aerospace industry is number one in Europe and second only to the US globally.

“This can only continue if there is a constant supply of highly motivated young people, women as well as men, willing to support this thriving and diverse industry by entering the industry in all manner of roles.

“The reception will be a great way to celebrate the success of all of the organisations who are helping to nurture tomorrow’s aviation professionals.”