TWO Brownie leaders have said goodbye to their young members.

Bishop Middleham pack's Brown Owl Linda Johnson and Tawny Owl Sue Margerison have retired after a total of 40 years in charge.

Past and present members of the pack joined them in the village church on Christmas Eve to pay tribute to their loyalty and enthusiasm.

Mrs Johnson, who will continue as a district commissioner with the Guide Association, spent many years in the movement, which she joined in Fishburn because there was no Brownie pack in Bishop Middleham.

She was 18 when she took over as Brown Owl 29 years ago.

Mrs Margerison joined her as Tawny Owl in 1989.

Mrs Johnson and Mrs Margerison have been training their successors, Michele MacCallam and Jill Whaley.