SCOUTS past and present had plenty to talk about when 100 years of being prepared were celebrated in Devizes on Saturday.

The 1st Devizes Scout Group claims the honour of being the next troop to be formed after Baden Powell’s first one created in Dorset in 1908.

But on Saturday the group was celebrating the centenary of the opening of its hall in Southbroom Road with fun and games from across the eras.

The group’s chairman Helen Collier was also keen to use the occasion to drum up support for fundraising for improvements to the hut.

She said: “We are desperately seeking funds and voluntary help to revamp the hall. Nationwide in Devizes recently helped us out and painted the hall for us. This is the start of many projects to come.”

Among those taking a trip down memory lane on Saturday were former scouts Barry Snooks and Brian Walters whose claim to fame is being among those who started the first every Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.