The scouts are staying at the Downe International Campsite and Activity Centre, near Biggin Hill.

They will form a human mosaic of the Fairtrade and Scout logos on Sunday, in a feat so large it will only be visible from 500ft up in the sky.

It is part of the Campdowne 2004 event, teaching youngsters about Fairtrade and global development issues.

Fair prices

Co-ordinator Bill Gunn, said: " Bringing so many young people together in one place from all over Europe gives us a chance to really help spread the Fairtrade message.

"By spending time living and learning together we can help young people understand that by making positive decisions on what to buy they can influence the lives of others in other parts of the world."

Fairtrade aims to give disadvantaged small producers in the developing world more control over their own lives by guaranteeing that they receive fair terms of trade and fair prices.

The Fairtrade mark appears on over 250 different food products available in shops and supermarkets in the UK.