Dozens of cubs and beavers slept overnight in a soft play centre.

The fourth Rochford scout group took 40 cubs and beavers and eight leaders and parents to the play centre, Monkey Bizzness in Eldon Way, Hockley for a night of fun.

The group's sleepover was chosen by the children as part of their programme of activities for the "YouShape" scouting campaign.

The children were treated to four hours of play on the equipment.

The leaders and parents also got involved with the night, racing down the giant slides.

One of the cubs and beavers from the Alpha and Omega packs, Max Ashton, also celebrated his ninth birthday, with the leaders bringing in a cake for him to blow out with the rest of the children.

Tony Humphries, Alpha pack leader was happy to see all of the children enjoying the evening, but he also felt there was another lesson to be learned from the event.

He said: "Scouting is a great way for people to learn and understand what they can offer to society.

"Lord Baden Powell once said: 'Scouting isn't just about earning badges and recognitions, Scouting strives to prepare youth to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the values of Scout Oath and Law'.

"'You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give'."