A GIRL Guides group which is the oldest in the world is celebrating its 100th anniversary - but this year will be its last unless a new leader is found.

The 1st Beckenham Guides marked its 100th birthday with a party on Saturday (October 9), but the birthday will be its last unless someone volunteers to lead the group by February.

Carol Dewar, the district commissioner for Beckenham East, has been heading the group of 12 girls since the previous leader moved abroad a year ago.

But she also runs a Brownies group, which needs her as a dedicated leader, so she cannot continue in the temporary role with Beckenham Guides for much longer.

She said: “If we have not got someone in as leader by February we will have to close down because we cannot keep it going any longer.

“It would be terrible if it closed down, especially in its centenary year. The girls would obviously be very upset, as they all really enjoy being part of the group.

“We are desperate to get someone new in. We have always managed to for the past 100 years, so we are hopeful we will do it again.”

The girls in the group have come up with a description of their ideal new leader, saying: “They should be friendly and caring and must be up to date with X Factor and Eastenders.

“They must like chocolate and be able to cook, have to be full of fun and not adverse to fancy dress, and must have a good sense of humour and be up for a challenge.”

Past and present 1st Beckenham Guides, including the oldest living member 93-year-old Marnie Price, met at St George's Church Hall in Beckenham for the party on Saturday.

Jenny Poll, aged 74, who organised the party, said: “I have been in 1st Beckenham Guides since 1948, and have been a Guide and a leader.

“I have seen what a positive impact the company has had on so many girls and women. It would be a terrible shame if it was forced to close down.”

Anyone interested in becoming the group's new leader should e-mail 1st.Beckenham.Guides@gmail.com or visit the Girl Guiding UK website at girlguiding.org.uk.

- Girl Guiding began in 1909 when a group of girls gatecrashed a Scouts rally at Crystal Palace and demanded "something for the girls".

- Among the girls were Ethel and Debbie Fowle, and they formed the 1st Beckenham Guides in October 1910, with 22 members.

- During the First World War, members of the group helped at hospitals as orderlies.

- The group survived the Second World War, although the number of members was reduced to just six.

- After the war, the group flourised under the leadership of Hilary Burgess, who was awarded an MBE by the Queen for her service to Guides, and has continued to this day.

- Girlguiding UK is Britain’s largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women, with around half a million members and recognised volunteers involved in 28,000 units.