Peace will be the theme when 1,600 Guides descend on Southend for their annual thinking day.

Members of the Essex Southend East Guide Association will join together with the county commissioner, county presidents and vice-presidents to begin their millennium celebrations with the special event.

Thinking Day is the annual commemoration of the joint birthday of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell - founder of the guides and World Chief Guide.

The Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, young leaders, Guiders, Trefoil Guild members and friends of Guiding will celebrate at Southend leisure and tennis centre in Eastern Avenue, Southend, on Sunday between 3pm and 4pm.

The event will start with a parade of 75 flags and includes pageants reflecting the history and international aspects of guiding.

Two people will also be presented with the Queen's Guide Award, the highest award in guiding.

A spokesman said: "This is an ideal opportunity for the girls to help spread the message of peace and acknowledge their membership of the biggest women's organisation with nine million members in over 134 countries.

"Being part of a worldwide movement enables girls and young women to fulfil their potential and to take an active and responsible role in society."

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