A CUBS upervisor aged 17 had a lucky escape when an off-road motorcyclist rode over a tent while he was inside.

The terrifying incident took place near the television mast on an isolated part of the Mynydd Maen mountainside between Cwmbran and Newbridge.

The 17-year-old Explorer Scout, who doesn't want to be named, was manning a resting station for 45 cubs taking part in a three-mile hike. Amazingly, he escaped without injury although the tent was completely destroyed.

Mike Smith, assistant district commissioner for the Scouts of Torfaen, said: "While the teenager was sitting in the tent, a motorbike came along and rode over the corner of his tent."

It deliberately veered off the road it was travelling along and went back on to it after it had run over the tent.

"Thankfully he wasn't injured but the pole was snapped and the tent was completely wrecked.

He was left very shaken but managed to jump out of the tent after it happened and see two off-road bikes making off with two 4x4 vehicles behind them - one was black and one was white.

"Two blokes in one of the 4x4s laughed at him. It was a nasty incident that could have been much worse.

"It was a well-organised day that was being enjoyed by all until one mindless idiot spoilt it."

He added: "Throughout the day there were numerous motorcycles and off-road bikes using the area.

"Quite a few of them were quite blatantly riding up the footpath areas where the eight to 10-year-old cubs were walking with no regard for the youngsters present.

"We have reported the matter to the police but were unable to identify the riders of the bike because there was so many in the area - it could have been anyone."

A spokesman for Gwent Police said "We have received a complaint about the incident and the matter is currently being investigated."