A QUARRY Bank Brownie unit will be celebrating 100 years of the national girls' organisation thanks to a £4,000 grant from Dudley Council.

The 1st Quarry Bank Christ Church Brownies received the money from the Netherton, Woodside & St Andrews and Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood community forum following a successful application.

It will be used to help the unit take part in national celebrations to mark the centenary of Brownies next year.

The group hopes to take part in a summer camp in Kinver and other events throughout the year - and the cash will cover travel costs plus badges for activities they take part in.

Rae Truman, 1st Quarry Bank Christ Church Brownies leader, said: “We have a lot of activities taking place next year to mark the centenary of Brownies and it is important our unit takes part in them.

“In the current economic climate parents simply cannot afford to pay for multiple events for their children to get involved so the money from the community forum is very important because it allows us to be part of something very special.”

Quarry Bank councillor David Sparks, leader of Dudley Council, said: “This is exactly what the community forums were set up for, to work with local groups and help them in any way the council can. I am delighted we have been able to help the Brownies take part in very important national celebrations."

The 1st Quarry Bank Christ Church Brownies comprises 40 girls aged seven to ten and meets at Quarry Bank Community Centre, Sheffield Street, on Thursdays, from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Borough groups which could benefit from community forum cash are invited to find out more by visiting website www.dudley.gov.uk/about/community-council/community-forums