A GROUP of girl guides, who had their camping equipment stolen, has managed to buy new kit - thanks to generous Advertiser/Messenger readers.

Earlier in the year camping equipment, including tents and gas stoves, was stolen from Charford 2nd's storage room at St Andrew's church on Lyttleton Avenue. The theft meant the girls could not go on their camp to Blackwell in July.

But kind-hearted readers were so touched by news of the girls' plight that they have rallied round to help.

Members of the Bromsgrove branch of the Rotary Club donated £250, while churchgoers at St Andrew's and St John's Church, Kidderminster Road, donated £280.

Charford pensioner Harold Fletcher donated £20 and the group was inundated with offers of equipment from scouts in Catshill, Barnt Green and Bromsgrove Evergreen scouts. Bromsgrove residents gave the girls old tents to be used for storing luggage while on camp.

Now guide leader June Wildman has bought replacement equipment and the guides are looking forward to their week-long trip to Blackwell.

June said: "We bought new tents, lanterns, a torch, a vegetable rack and tin openers. We have everything we need now." She added: "We can't quite believe how kind everyone has been and we are thrilled that we didn't have to cancel the camp. I want to say thank you to the Advertiser/Messenger for printing the story in the first place. Otherwise we never would have got this equipment. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who offered to help."