PAST and present Brownies came together in Dursley at the weekend to mark the 90th anniversary of the formation of the popular girls' group.

More than 100 Brownies from the Gloucestershire West groups - including Dursley, Cam, Coaley, Berkeley and Sharpness attended the celebration in Dursley Primary School on Saturday to mark the milestone anniversary.

The group has seen many new innovations since its foundation in 1914 by Scout founder Lord Baden-Powell's sister Agnes Baden-Powell.

The group for seven to ten-year-olds who were too young to become Guides was initially given the name Rosebuds. The name was soon changed to Brownies and 90 years on, one in three eight-year-olds countrywide are members with 17 groups serving the Dursley district alone.

During Saturday's party the history of the movement was celebrated with past crazes - including hula-hoops and past uniforms displayed alongside favourite 21st century Brownie activities.

Former Brownie leaders were among the special guests who attended the event.

Spokeswoman Frances Neale said: "The girls, their Brownie leaders and several from the past who have achieved so much over the years by dedicating their valuable time came together to mark the occasion."

Gladys Sparrow, who became a Brownie in 1928 and went on to serve as a Brownie and Guide leader for many years, was on hand to help division president Pam Cottle cut the celebratory cake.

Mrs Neale added: "Brownie leaders get a great amount of enjoyment in seeing the girls having such a good time and witnessing them develop their confidence and skills through exciting experiences. There is so much pleasure in seeing young girls using their full potential, which is what being in the Brownies is all about."

Mrs Neale said that throughout its 90 years, the Brownie section has continuously updated itself to remain contemporary and in tune with its members. "In 1991 Jeff Banks produced a new more informal uniform of polo shirts and sweat shirts and 2002 saw the launch of the new and trendy Brownie uniform, designed by top fashion designer Ally Capellino."

The latest development came last year when the launch of the new Brownie Adventure was saw new challenges, activities and badges.