YOUNGSTERS from one of the town's oldest Scout groups shared in one big party last night.

Some 70 Cubs, Beavers and Scouts took part in the party celebrating 50 years of the 19th Swindon (Walcot) St Andrews Scout Group with cakes and party games at the Queens Drive Methodist Church.

The party was the first of two with the main celebrations taking place this weekend.

"It's quite a rowdy party, but everyone's having fun we wouldn't normally bring all the different groups together," said Scout leader and Otter Alan Finnigan from Moredon.

"Reaching 50 years is a fantastic achievement, so many groups fold and disappear and this one has had a few peaks and troughs but today's party shows just how strong scouting in Swindon is today."

Also joining the party was the 19th's first Scoutmaster, Eric Harrin, 78, who formed the 19th in 1961 but it amalgamated with another Walcot-based group, whose roots extend back to 1956.

Eric said: "It's wonderful to see so many children still enjoying scouting."