IT makes a change from sushi!

An adventurous group of girl guides from Japan got their teeth into Bury's most famous dish, the black pudding, but there was no badge for completing the challenge.

The group, comprising eight Guides and two leaders, spent a week in the town staying with host families and learning about traditional northern hospitality.

Their visit to the borough follows a week spent at International Camp at Waddow Hall in Clitheroe, where they were joined by guides from as far afield as Las Vegas and Canada.

The International Camp was organised and hosted for the first time by the Lancashire South East Guides, to which Bury Division and Bury North Division belong. A tour around Bury Market was one of a number of visits laid on by their hosts, which also included days out to the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, Camelot theme park and Helmshore Textile Museum.

International co-ordinator and president of Bury Division, Janet Taylor, said: "They have eaten anything and everything while being here, but I think the black pudding was an experience too far. They hated it!"

She said that the girls, who are from Saitama, near Tokyo, the home of next year's football World Cup, have thoroughly enjoyed their stay and forged strong friendships with some of their Bury counterparts.

Janet added: "There were tears at the end of camp last week and we are holding a leaving party for them before they go to London tomorrow (Sat Aug 11).

"Despite none of them speaking a word of English the girls have got on with everyone exceptionally well. It has been a learning experience for both sides."

Janet thanked everyone who had supported the visit, including businesses that had provided the group with complimentary meals and admission to attractions.