A BROWNIE group have been praised for selling more than 15,000 badges in a bid to raise awareness of the suffragette movement.

1st Rhiwderin Brownie group have been selling purple-coloured badges across the globe to highlight the struggles of women in recent years.

More than 50 people gathered to Rhiwderin Community Centre on Thursday for a presentation by the Brownie group on the suffragettes.

Sam Morgan, who is the group's brown owl, said they have sold 16,000 badges.

"The reason for the badges is so people know about women's history," said Mrs Morgan. "It has been 100 years this year since women were given the right to vote - people need to know this.

"I designed the badge. The badges are available for all of the Girlguiding and wider community. For girl groups to get the badge they need to answer questions on the suffragette movement.

"All of the money raised from the badge will be donated to the CARE charity."

She added: "The talk went well. We were delighted with our guest speaker too, who also had copies of her book to raise awareness."

Guest speaker Helen Pankhurst, who is a writer, said it was an "honour" to attend.

"We are all here to say thanks to Sam and the group," she said.

"People have learnt a lot about women's history.

"It is an honour to be here."

Jayne Bryant AM added: "I am very pleased to be here. Sam and the brownies are doing a great job at raising awareness of the suffragettes."