So as to evade the catchers the teams of Scouts had to stay under cover and use map and compass work to find their way through the undergrowth.
The more experienced teams wore camouflage clothing, used face paint and attached vegetation to their clothing.

Each of the teams had to be self-sufficient for the day, carrying everything they needed in their rucksacks.

The Explorer Scout catchers worked in threes, often being dropped off by patrolling vehicles. The bases were manned by leaders from the various Scout Groups in Montgomeryshire.

Taking up to seven hours to reach the last base, all 12 of the competing teams completed their mission. The full-day event was held in the Hafren Forest, courtesy of the Forestry Commission.

Michael Smith, one of the leaders co-organising the event, commented: "This exciting event is always very popular, and this year it attracted more than 100 participants.

"The attraction of the day is the adventure of using skills on a real task with a minimum of supervision. How the Scouts get from one base to the next is up to them, and getting wet and covered in mud is all part of the attraction.

"It's a real challenge, and the catchers add that extra element of excitement."

Katie and Emily, two of the Scouts from Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, described their day: "It was fabulous. We've been hiding in the forest, running, getting lost, getting wet, and even swimming in the river. But I think we got caught more than anyone else!"

Two Welshpool Scouts added: "Today was really good. We jumped across ditches, hid in the forest and got chased by Explorers. I am in Welshpool Scouts, and today our team of five didn't win, but we had great fun all the time."

Anna, one of the Explorer Scout catchers, added: "It's been fantastic. I haven't done Operation Commando for five years but this time it's been better than ever. I loved it."

Ken Whitmore, a leader in Montgomery, helped out with one of the younger teams.

He said: "We got very involved and soon found ourselves running for our lives away from the catchers just like our Scouts were."

Scouts are aged 10 to 14 and are both male and female.

In Montgomeryshire there are Scout Troops in Guilsfield, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanidloes, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Montgomery, Newtown and Welshpool.

Explorer Scouts are aged 14 to 18, and are also both male and female. In Montgomeryshire there are four Explorer Scout Units based in Guilsfield, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanidloes and Newtown.