THOSE of us who remember dancing around the toadstool, calling the leader Brown Owl and the formal Brownie Guide Promise ceremony will be in for a big surprise come September.

For 21st century Brownies will be a whole lot cooler - with new uniforms to match.

On Tuesday night Cross Hills Brownies said farewell to the old-style Brownies and welcomed in the new.

The changes include an introduction pack designed to reflect modern girls' interests.

Clare Smith, the current Tawny Owl - who will be known as Clare from September - told the Herald: "They will get a promise book to keep all their goodies in and they won't have a promise ceremony but a celebration, so we could take them to the park or have a party instead.

"The Brownie Guide Handbook has been updated and now reflects a more multi-cultural society. It also has word searches and quizzes and is designed more like a magazine.

"They will organise their own activities and can chose what to call their organiser. We have agreed that first names would be appropriate.

"But the basis of everything is going to be the same."

Also changing are the badges, which will be more colourful and reflect modern-day activities and the uniforms that now include cycling shorts and yellow stripy T-shirts.

"These were introduced in January and are being phased in to replace the former sweatshirts and brown skirts."

A buddy system will be introduced for new recruits to help them settle in, and it's also out with the traditional Brownie Guide songs - from now on the lyrics could be sung to the likes of Robbie Williams or Blue.

The Brownies at Cross Hills said they hadn't really got time to adjust to the new ideas yet, but they were looking forward to them and liked the new uniforms.

During the party held on Tuesday they took the opportunity to congratulate Leah Martin and Laura Mancey who both gained their Highway badges - the highest badge possible in the Brownies - the last of the pack to be given the old-style badges.