BROWNIES would have spent most of their time tying knots and cleaning shoes 50 years ago.

These days, children enjoy activities like singing, cooking or trampolining.

But as the 1st Purton Brownies, who are based at Purton Millennium Hall, celebrate their 50th anniversary they have been finding out what it was like back in 1952.

The pack held a party where former leaders met current Brownies and the girls had a go at the kind of tasks that would have been commonplace years ago.

Helpers who had been involved with the pack came from Nottingham and Hampshire to celebrate the occasion, including Pauline Hall, who was involved in 1954.

Current leader, Jo Sully, who has been running the pack since 1991, said: "There was singing and cake and lots of challenges for the girls from the 1950s, and they enjoyed meeting the past leaders.

"Brownies have changed a lot in the last 50 years, they no longer wear brown dresses but more practical uniforms, culottes or jogging bottoms are fine.

"The reason seven to ten year olds should join us is because it's fun, it's that simple."

If youngsters would like to join the Rainbows, Brownies or Guides call Jo on Swindon 641966.