More than 400 children in Africa will have access to taps and clean water after a group of young boys took on a near impossible challenge.

Sixteen boys from First Theydon Garnon Beavers aged between six and eight, took on the almighty task of a sponsored silence.

For an entire hour a hush fell over the centre in Fluxs Lane, Epping, something which leader Luke Worrall says is nothing short of a miracle.

He said: “Anybody will tell you for these boys this was quite an achievement.

“For anybody their age it was a massive challenge, especially in a group but they did so well I am really pleased for them “They were so excited when they found out how much they had raised, they suggested that we buy an iPad.

The beaver group raised £500 for Water Aid, which is enough money to provide the clean water system for a school or village in Africa.

Originally the boys were aiming to raise £90 for a bike which would allow people to travel to water more easily.