THIS year marks the 100th birthday of the Brownies and the Girlguiding’s best known section needs more Knutsfordians to get involved.

Brownies, which started in 1914, offers young girls the opportunity to experience a variety of activities, such as climbing, abseiling and zip wiring, and girls can earn more than 50 badges, covering everything from World Issues and Communicator to Wildlife Explorer and Science Explorer.

The charity is encouraging more adults and young women in Knutsford to find out more about volunteering with Brownies – or a sister section, Rainbows, Guides or The Senior Section – so that these opportunities can be offered to more girls in the area.

Sophie Collis, a Rainbows leader for the Knutsford area, said: “I originally volunteered to help open a new Rainbows unit back in 2011 in order for my daughter to have the chance of being a Rainbow, as the waiting lists in this area are long due to the popularity of Guiding.

“I never imagined that I would get so much pleasure from the role – the fun is not just for the girls. It really is great taking them on trips like pond dipping and helping them try new activities.

“I have now agreed to help lead a Brownie from September too – we always need more volunteers as so many girls want to be Rainbows and Brownies.”

To find out more about volunteering with Girlguiding in Knutsford, call Sue Banks on 01565 653084 or Sophie Collis on 07717 660673.

'How to earn Brownie Points'

As part of the Brownies’ birthday celebrations, the charity asked Brownies all over the UK what skills and qualities deserve ‘Brownie Points’.

Brownies from Knutsford and Mobberley are challenging the people in the community to take on the challenge of 21st Century Brownie Points.

1. Be a good friend
2. Try something you’ve never tried before
3. Pick up a key survival skill
4. Sign a campaign
5. Think green for the week
6. Explore somewhere new
7. Raise money or awareness of an animal cause
8. Be an active citizen
9. Brush up on emergency skills
10. Set yourself a new challenge