MORE than 1,300 Scouts have had a great time trying their hand at kayaking, water-skiing and go-karting.

The youngsters, aged between eight and 18, came from Scout groups across the county for the one-day event on Saturday at the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont.

Alex Kerrison, 14, of Arnold, joined the Equinox Scout group at Carlton about two months ago.

She had a go on the balance see-saw with pals.

"The day was really good," she said. "I was looking forward to doing the sailing and water-skiing, and having the barbecue at the end. I only joined about two months ago but I've met loads of people already. It's been really fun."

As well as the water activities, there was climbing, balloon modelling and a bungee jump.

There was also a tent with lateral thinking games to help the Scouts develop their teamwork skills.

James Nadin, nine, of Carlton-in-Lindrick Cubs, was trying to solve a rope puzzle with friend Alexander Colliver.

James said: "The puzzle is quite hard but the day has been awesome.

"I've never done kayaking or water-skiing before, I was really excited."

And Georgia Babbington-Fowles, 11, of West Bridgford Scouts, added: "I've really enjoyed the day.

"I've been on the crystal maze and rugby activity and I'm going on the BMX track and doing kayaking."

Matt Rooney, deputy head of the Notts Scouts, said he thought this was the first time a one-day event with so many Scouts had taken place in Notts. "We wanted to do a big activity day all in one place," he said.

"It also gives people the chance to meet other groups. One of the things we have done is to help the young people understand that the world is bigger than they think it is. It helps them understand they are part of a world wide organisation.

"I've had some really positive responses. When I arrived at 7.40am on Saturday there was a group from Newark already there waiting to go in."

Local businesses helped support the Scouts activity day.

Nottingham Rugby organised a rugby skills activity with two players and department store John Lewis donated £1,000 and 1,500 re-usable carry bags to encourage the youngsters to recycle.