MICKEY Mouse has been coming up in conversation a lot this week as more than 60 Chippenham Brownies prepare for their first trip abroad to Disneyland Paris.

Two coachloads of Brownies from the second, third and ninth Chippenham and first Yatton Keynell Brownie packs will board a Eurotunnel train on Sunday for their trip across the Channel.

The girls, aged eight to 11, will return to England on Tuesday.

Brown Owl Louise Orchard, of the second Chippenham pack, said: "It is the first time Brownies from Chippenham have been on a trip abroad, and for many of them it will be their first trip abroad, at least without their parents.

"They are all so excited and they haven't stopped talking about it."

The trip has been planned for the last 18 months, and Brownies have raised some of the money themselves by packing bags at supermarkets and arranging various fundraising events.

The remainder of the money has come from parents and local sponsors.

More than 30 Brownie leaders and helpers will be going with them and the group will stay in a hotel just outside Paris.

"We're going to have a full day in Disneyland and I know they're not going to stop talking about this for a long, long time," said Mrs Orchard.