SCOUTS and Guides who attend two local village schools donned their uniforms for classes last week to celebrate Founder’s Day and World Thinking Day.

Abbotts Ann and Clatford Church of England Primary Schools allowed children to come dressed in their Beaver, Cub, Scout, Rainbow, Brownie and Guides uniforms for the day and held special assemblies and activities to help celebrate the birthday of the organisation’s founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell.

Baden-Powell, who was born on 22 February 1857, started the Boy Scout movement in 1907. Following representation from girls who wished to join, he asked his sister Agnes Baden-Powell to form a separate organisation, and the Girl Guides was officially recognised in 1910. His wife, Olave, who shared the same birthdate, became the first World Chief Guide and since then, the 22 February has become known as Founder’s Day for Scouts and World Thinking Day for Guides, and is celebrated by their members all around the world.

June Smith, group scout leader at 4th Andover, said: “Scouts and Guides of all ages always used to dress in their respective uniforms on 22 February, but we haven’t done it for a few years. So I was delighted when our two local primary schools agreed to revive the tradition.”

Angela Rice, headteacher at Clatford School said: “So many of our children took part and they were really pleased to be able to wear their uniforms to school. I was delighted to see that they embrace our school values and want to help others and the world around them.

“I am very proud of all their achievements and what fantastic citizens they are becoming.”