Scouts old and new celebrated the 25th anniversary of the 10th Chippenham Scout Group at a church service and barbecue on Sunday.

Scout leaders Brian and Barbara King took the opportunity to step down after serving the Scouts for quarter of a century.

"They kept the group going through good times and lean times in the 25 years," said Frances Shires, of the parents' committee.

"They have stepped down from their uniform roles but they will help run the group from the committee side."

The Kings have helped to run the Beaver, Cub and Scout groups, and each section gave a party and said their thanks at meetings leading up to the silver anniversary celebration.

Two others at Sunday's 25th anniversary celebration were Cub and Scout leaders when the group was formed 25 years ago.

Christine Arkle, who is now a Scout leader in Bognor Regis, was the assistant Cub leader, and Philip Byatt, who is retired and lives in Hardens Mead, Chippenham, was the Assistant Scout Leader.

The Chippenham Scouts were joined by 18 visitors from Troop 404 Florida at the weekend's events.

The church service involved a number of the Scouts in readings, and afterwards members walked to the Westmead Scout headquarters for an afternoon barbecue.

The day was rounded off with country and square dancing.

"We had a couple of hundred people at the event, with members and families," said Mrs Shires. "It went very well."