GIRL Guides marked the birthdays of the movement's founders today by linking to other members from across the globe.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides in Beaconsfield used high-tech radio equipment to speak to their counterparts in places including Hanover in Germany, Seal Island off the coast of Scotland and locations across the UK as part of "Thinking Day".

The event, at the town's Girl Guide Headquarters in Malthouse Square, is a celebration of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell's birthdays, which would both have been on February 22.

Morag Mason, Beaconsfield district commissioner, said the radio communications aspect of the day had been in operation since 1991, but now the Internet was being used to link radios.

She said: "Last time we did this we got through to places like Peru, Portugal and just about all the different European countries. It's to celebrate Guiding and the fact it covers the whole world and to celebrate the friendships that being in Guiding gives us.

"It gives the Guides an idea that they are not just doing Guiding in Beaconsfield."

The girls, accompanied by amateur radio enthusiasts, will continue their communication throughout the night and into tomorrow morning so they can reach across the different timezones.

Beaconsfield town crier Dick Smith turned out to support them. He said: "It's rather good. I am quite impressed with how it's all put together. The amount of people here is extraordinary."

The volunteer leaders also held displays with country themes and activities for the youngsters to learn about the different traditions.