TO mark the centenary of when a national girl group began, people are being invited to share memories of their time as a local 'brownie'.

When the Girl Guides were officially started by Lord Baden-Powell in 1910, the girls had so much fun that their younger sisters soon wanted to tag along.

So by 1914 a junior section was opened, at that time called 'rosebuds', wearing blue uniforms and usually attending meetings with the guides.

Soon renamed brownies, this movement for seven to 10-year-olds went from strength to strength and over the next 100 years touched the lives of millions of girls, both in Britain and all round the world.

The first brownies were registered in this area in 1918 and there have been many groups meeting in and around Tavistock ever since.

This year Tavistock Brownies will be joining in parties, challenges, and holidays specially themed to help them celebrate the centenary.

This term alone, the plans of local groups include patchwork, tea-making, climbing, toymaking, walking on the moor, finding out about the Commonwealth and sleeping with sharks at Plymouth Aquarium.

Nationally there is a 'Big Brownie Birthday Challenge Badge' to try and gain, which involves activities adapted from what brownies have tried at various points over the last 100 years.

Also members of all sections of Girlguiding will join for a special 'Thinking Day' party on February 24, when they will take part in a ceremony to remember the history of the Brownies, the international dimensions of Guiding and the endless possibilities for sharing fun and friendship in the future.

Anyone interested in sharing their memories of Brownies or helping with the local groups should contact Janet on 01822 613856, Rica 01822 612743 or Kate on 01822 613661.