A DOCTOR Who time-travelling Tardis was a highlight of a celebration to mark 100 years of the Brownies.

Girls from Brownie packs across Basingstoke and Deane, including Sherborne St John, Chineham, Oakridge and Popley took part in the event, at Everest Community Academy, in Popley, where they went on a quest to search for missing stars.

The Brownies were introduced to their challenge by Richard Bennett, who burst out of the Tardis and explained the challenge to the girls.

Groups of Brownies then had to work their way around a variety of activities, earning a star for each one.

These included tying knots, making rocket fuel using sequins, glitter and food colouring, throwing frizbees into a target, and making musical instruments.

Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Councillor Dan Putty was a special guest, and was given a tour of the activities.

He also spoke to the Brownies about reaching the milestone 100-year anniversary.

At the end of the day, the girls all came together to join in with singing and dancing, using the instruments they had made, before watching a dancing performance by a group of Guides. The day culminated in the launch of a giant rocket, which was fired into the air.

All the Brownies were given a special badge to commemorate the day.

Suzy Cox, who leads Bramley Brownies and who helped to organise the event, said: “We wanted to celebrate the Big Brownie Birthday with an event all the girls would remember. It was a brilliant day and the Brownies absolutely loved it.

“The Dr Who theme really captured their imagination and they took the task of finding enough stars very seriously. It was great to have the Tardis there all day so all the girls, and the adults, could have their picture taken inside.”