A LOCAL brownie pack faces extinction unless it can find a new Brown Owl.

The 2nd Slyne-with-Hest Brownie Group, which has been running in the village for 28 years, faces closure unless a volunteer willing to take over comes forward.

The Slyne brownies have their own guiders hut at the back of the Memorial Hall and are well established in the village with 14 girls attending every Thursday and more waiting to join if a new leader can be found.

The current Brown Owl, Sue Simpson, and her assistant Snowy Owl, Sylvia Downes, have said they want to hand over to someone by the end of the year but so far no one has come forward.

"I've really enjoyed helping to run the group but work and family commitments mean I can't be as actively involved," said Sylvia.

"I've really enjoyed it over the years. We've done some great activities, such as raise money for a donkey sanctuary, but although its been good fun we felt we'd had our time and should hand over to someone new."

All the girls, aged seven to 14, are desperate for their brownie group to continue and anyone who volunteers will be shown the ropes up until Christmas.

Said Sylvia: "Being Brown Owl means giving up a couple of hours on a Thursday night, running activities, a bit of fund-raising and the odd harvest festival and poppy day activities. It would be perfect for someone who likes to get out and about and enjoys working with kids. There's training sessions for anyone who volunteers and they'll be supported by the Brownie organisation."

As well as a Brown Owl the group need an assistant Tawny Owl and the girls are keeping their fingers crossed that two volunteers will come forward.

"It would be a great shame if the brownie pack had to close, it's been going for 28 years and the girls want it to continue," said Sylvia, who will talk to anyone who is interested on 823297.

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