A BROWNIE leader from Weymouth is urging young girls to join her pack to stop it being closed down.

Mandy Stubbs, 44, has led the Brownie pack at St Mary’s Church in Weymouth for 22 years and said she has fond memories of attending the pack as a Brownie 37 years ago.

Now the 50-year-old Brownie pack is at risk of closure unless they increase their numbers from six girls to at least 10.

Mrs Stubbs said: “We have kept the pack going for years and I really enjoy it but Girl Guiding UK rules specify that we cannot keep going unless we increase our numbers to 10.

“The trouble here is that we are right in the middle of town and we have a lot of competition with the other packs.”

Mrs Stubbs said that big groups of girls join and then leave when they reach 10 or 11.

The St Mary’s Church Brownie pack is open to anyone aged six to 11 regardless of where they live.

The volunteer leaders are also experienced with disabled children and they welcome any new members with special needs.

During the year the Brownie pack takes part in a host of activities including cooking, rock pooling, arts and crafts and activities designed to achieve various badges.

At the moment the girls are taking part in a public service project where they will meet police officers, firefighters, and coastguard officers.

Brownie leader Mrs Stubbs said: “It is essential to keep our little Brownie group going – it is vital for the girls to have time away from their families to build confidence and meet new friends.

“I have fond memories of when I came here myself 22 years ago and that’s why I have helped to keep it running for all these years.”

Eight-year-old Brownie Lucy said: “I want people to come to our Brownies because it is fun – I like the games and doing work for badges.”

Another Brownie Emma, aged six, has just joined the Brownies after going to Rainbows and said: “I really like coming to Brownies and I think more girls should join because you make new friends at Brownies – I really liked working towards by design badge.”

If you are interested in joining the pack call Mandy on 07855 966113.