A HASLINGDEN Brownie pack has missed out on a £775 grant from the town’s county councillor.

The 8th Rossendale group, based at St Peter’s Laneside Church, had hoped to receive a donation towards a trip to the Big Brownie Stayaway event in Edinburgh.

But County Coun David Stansfield, the representative Rossendale West, had to reject a local member grant because he had already verbally allocated his funds to other organisations. The Brownies’ event co-ordinator, Susan Evans, said 24 girls and 14 leaders had hoped to make the trip to Scotland.

She said: “This is an opportunity for young girls to celebrate as part of a large group a special pack holiday, celebrating 100 years of Brownies, an experience that will live with them for their life and allowing them to encourage other girls to join local groups.

“The girls will be contributing a substantial part of the cost of the trip and we are aware that this cost has been difficult from some parents in these trying times.”

The group has already raised £6,141 in parental contributions and £800 from bag-packing sessions towards the cost of the trip.

But all may not be lost, the Brownies are keeping fingers crossed, as they have also applied for a £775 grant from County Coun Anne Cheetham, for Rossendale South.