YOUNGSTERS from Walton were able to take a walk on the wild side after receiving a massive “gamechanging” grant.

Girls from the 2nd Walton-on-the-Naze Brownies were left jumping for joy after clinching nearly £7,000 from the Big Lottery Awards.

Group leaders applied for the grant and were overjoyed to find they had been successful.

They used the cash to pay for new camping equipment, as well as funding a host of activities and a theme park trip for youngsters.

Supervisor Hannah Baraka said: “We received £6,946 in total from the Big Lottery Awards. It is a gamechanger for us.

“It allowed us to buy new camping equipment, which included camp beds, sleeping bags, bell tents, waterproofs, backpacks and a lot more.

“The new gear allowed us to go to Thorrington Scout Camp. It was Harry Potter and Big Brownie Birthday themed and it was a really fantastic experience. We enjoyed making wands and postal owls and playing Quidditch.

“We also went abseiling, pedal karting and had a go at archery, before rounding off our camp with a trip to Pleasurewood Hills.

“The girls had a great time. They’re already asking to go again and we will be in March.”