THE Pontypool Brownies are celebrating a historic milestone, having taught hundreds of Torfaen girls the Brownie Promise for the past 100 years.

First Pontypool Brownies, which has been held at various locations in Pontypool since it began 100 years ago, marked the special anniversary on November 26.

The group now meet at Nicholas Street Methodist Church, and this was the location for their party held to give past brownies and leaders a chance to reminisce.

Snowy owl, Jo Scrivin - who has helped lead the group for the past 20 years - said that around 60 guests attended the event along, with Torfaen mayor, councillor Mandy Owen.

She said: “Everyone enjoyed themselves and sharing their memories, so we would like to thank all those who attended.”

During the party, guests enjoyed a variety show performed by the brownie group and cake.

They also talked about the range of activities that the girls take part in.

Mrs Scrivin became involved after her daughter, Jennie, saw an advert for the group and wanted to join, and she thought it was a good idea having been a brownie herself when she was a child.

She explained that as it was too far to walk back and forth from their home in the allotted time, but, determined for Jennie to attend, she would instead wait for her outside.

She was soon asked if she wanted to help out.

She said that she thoroughly enjoys the role and Jennie is also now a leader, taking up the role of fluffy owl, alongside her employment in retail.

Two former brownies in the group, Bethan Jackson, who is at university, and Leah Morgan, who is at college, are also now leaders, taking the roles of barn owl and elf owl respectively.

The currently has 24 brownies who are aged between seven and nine, with many being the second generation of their family who have attended the First Pontypool Brownies.

The group meet every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

To enquire about joining and to learn more of what the brownies do visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/brownies/