SIXTY Brownies from Bridgwater and Puriton were among 600 girls who had a trip on a specially-commissioned steam train to celebrate the movement’s 100th birthday.

The 2884 Class heavy freight engine, more used to pulling coal or minerals, coupled nine carriages to carry the Brownies on the hour-long journey from Bishops Lydeard to Mine-head for the day.

Chief Guide Gill Slocombe and the Southwest Region Chief Commissioner Sol-ange Rebours shared the memorable trip with the Brownies, joining in as the girls clamoured to the windows in the hope of spotting one of the special county teddy bears resting at stations en route to complete the Centenary Quiz.

During the journey the County Commissioner, Sar-ah French, from Bridgwater, received her 30-year service award.

A giant picnic was held on the beach complete with rock pooling and a treasure hunt.

Margaret Maltby, County President, said: “It’s been a fabulous time for everyone and for some this has been their first journey aboard a steam train as well as having the freedom of the beach to create their own adventures at the other end.”