GENERATIONS of Girls' Brigade members have been celebrating as the movement marks its 120th anniversary.

The 1st Darlington Girls' Brigade in Cockerton has been at the forefront of the celebrations of the organisation, which started in 1883 in Dublin, before growing into a worldwide movement.

The girls celebrated the landmark anniversary with a party featuring stalls and a big cake.

Captain Sue Allison said: “I have been a member for the past 45 years and it is like being part of one big family.”

District Commissioner Heather Hebden added: “The celebrations went really well and the number of girls who turned up was amazing. It is great to see the movement go from strength to strength.”

Her daughter Lauren, 13, a Year nine pupil at Darlington School of Mathematics, said she loved the Girls' Brigade.

“I really enjoy turning up every Friday to see everyone and the activities we get involved in somehow feel real compared to computer games and TV,” she said. “Also the leadership skills we gain are good to have on your CV.”