VENTURE Scouts from Radcliffe celebrated their unit's 21st birthday with a special guest who came all the way from Hong Kong.

Harry Sharples had been Scout leader back in 1980 when the 10th Radcliffe Venture Scout Unit was born at Stand United Reformed Church.

Some of the older Scouts had not wanted to leave the movement and they had some friends who were girls who were also interested in scouting.

Mr Sharples heard about the Venture Scouts idea and it was decided to form a unit, which became extremely successful.

Even though he now lives in Hong Kong, Mr Sharples made the trip back to Radcliffe especially for the occasion. The current leader is June Ascroft, one of the original members, and she said: "The unit grew in strength and numbers very quickly as the Ventures became more widely known in the community. They were helpful and honest and were trusted with more and more jobs to do within the scouting movement."

She added: "Some became assistant leaders with other groups during their training, and a lot of work was carried out at Giant's Seat campsite, as they went up there almost every weekend, either camping or being wardens, training others in scouting activities and doing the necessary maintenance to the site."

Sunday's (Feb 4) event at Giant's Seat saw a reunion for 31 members from across the years. They enjoyed a five-course dinner in Martin Lodge which was followed by a disco.

It was a night of nostalgia as they looked backed on the unit's triumphs across the years. Many members have earned Venture Scout Awards and Queen's Scout Awards.