A FORMER Brown Owl aged 97 joined current Brownies in celebrating the organisation’s 100th birthday in Darlington.

The Elm Ridge Brownies enjoyed a special service at Elm Ridge Methodist Church at the weekend attended by many former members, including former Brown Owl Joyce Williams.

The group, which has expanded to three packs over the years due to its popularity, marked the 100th year of the national organisation with the service to complement several anniversary events it has held throughout the year.

Brown Owl Carol Henderson said it was lovely to meet former Brownies at the service and said the anniversary had given her the chance to learn more about the history of the organisation.

She said: “I’ve learnt a lot from past members and it’s really been quite interesting.

“Joyce is absolutely amazing and she said to me that Brownies must be doing something right because so many girls still want to be one.

“I don’t know whether it’s because it’s different to school, or that they simply enjoy it, but it’s good that it’s still going strong after 100 years.”