MORE than 1,100 youngsters celebrated 100 years of the Brownies with a space-themed spectacular.

The girls, all aged seven to ten, from Brownies packs in Billericay, Basildon, Rayleigh, Castle Point, Southend East and Southend West, joined together at Grove Wood School, Rayleigh, to mark the big day.

The all-girl celebration saw the youngsters travel through three time zones in the hunt for missing stars, taking part in challenges and enjoying new and exciting adventures along the way.

During the celebrations, the girls learnt more about the 100-year history of the Brownies, and enjoyed a picnic. In the afternoon, girls chose activity sessions, including rocket launching.

During the event, each unit placed an item in a time capsule that will be opened in 2114 for the bicentenary.

Karen Grant, the Big Brownie Birthday co-ordinator for Essex South East Guides, said: “It was great to see so many Brownies from all over our local area come together to celebrate.

“The Big Brownie Birthday has been fantastic.”