SCOUTING groups put their survival skills and culinary talent to the test over a three-day camping contest.

The four teams from Weymouth and Portland were pitted against each other for the annual Scout District Banner Competition.

Weymouth's North Merlin Patrol beat the challenge from Weymouth West Air Scouts, Weymouth East and First Portland teams in the competition at Tudor Farm, near Buckland Ripers.

The challenge involved each team proving their pioneering skills by erecting scout tents, hiking and signalling.

The teams of six boys also cooked up a four-course meal for judges of the Scout Fellowship.

A variety of dishes were made over an open-stove including spaghetti carbonara, chicken, bacon and cheese melt, homemade tomato and basil soup and italian pear pancakes.

The contest was part of a training initiative led by district commissioner Mike Clarke.

District scouts organiser Rob Wells said: "The food was very tasty and the weather wasn't too bad so hopefully they all had a good time.

"As soon as the team have recovered enough, they will get their thinking caps on and start to sort out next year's contest - there are only 51 more weekends to go before the next one."

Weymouth North will represent the district at the county competition.