Scouts back from lottery jamboree

Mrs Bristow said it really was the trip of a lifetime

A scout troop from Devon has returned from Canada after an adventure holiday paid for by a couple who won £15m on the National Lottery last summer.

Thea and Paul Bristow, from Torquay, took the group on a private plane to Canada for the £500,000 two-week break.

Mr Bristow, Akela of the 1st Torbay (St Marychurch) group, said the holiday included kayaking, rock-climbing, lake swimming and camping.

The group included 56 children and 30 members of their families.

What's really made it for Paul and me is seeing how much the children have enjoyed themselves Thea Bristow

Mr Bristow said: "This trip has been everything I'd hope it would be and more - just hearing what the kids have been saying makes it all worthwhile.

"Now I'm looking forward to a holiday for just Thea and I to recover!"

Lottery winner Mrs Bristow, 51, was facing redundancy when she hit the jackpot last July.

She and her husband said they had always promised the scouts they would take them on a big trip if they won the lottery.

"It's been amazing - we really have had the trip of a lifetime", Mrs Bristow said.

"My personal favourite was the boat trip where I saw a bear and a coyote, caught a rock cod and walked up Seal Island.

"But what's really made it for Paul and me is seeing how much the children have enjoyed themselves. We're just so glad we've been able to make this trip possible for them."