Outdoor girls

A century ago, when the Girl Guides were first formed, recruits were taught how to sew and prepared for life in the home as a practical and reliable wife.

But a centenary celebration held near Doncaster yesterday showed how all that had been swept away in favour of new technology and outdoor activities.

More than 100 guides and their counterparts from the younger Brownies and Rainbows, including Lavina Stevenson and Hannah O'Neil, of 14th Doncaster Brownies, above, held a 100th birthday party in Brodsworth Community Wood, near Doncaster. They were all members of the Cusworth Guide District and spent the day learning shelter-building and circus skills as well as taking part in orienteering.

The day was made possible after the Forestry Commission, which manages the site made the woods available for the day. Ranger Lizz Demers said: "We were thrilled to have guides at Brodsworth for such an important birthday bash. Girl guiding is all about adventure, and the new woodland we are nurturing on this former colliery site is the perfect place to explore."

Louise Fleetwood, one of the Brown Owls taking part in yesterday's event said: "It's been a brilliant day and a great way to mark this landmark for guides in Doncaster.