BURLEY-IN-WHARFEDALE Rainbows entered into the Christmas spirit with a festive celebration on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

Father Christmas took time out of his busy schedule to talk to the Rainbows and as well as enjoying the steam train ride, the girls enjoyed games with Mrs Claus and received a present and goodie bag.

One of the Rainbows, six-year-old Megan said: “It was exciting seeing Father Christmas on the train.”

Helen Haskins, 1st and 3rd Burley-in-Wharfedale Rainbow leader added: “It was a really magical trip. Getting together with other Rainbows is always a special opportunity to have fun with old and new friends. It was lovely seeing the happy faces of the excited Rainbows.”

This was one of the special events to end the the first term of the newly opened 3rd Burley-in-Wharfedale Rainbows. The unit started in September, but at present they have to juggle the main hall with another unit.

The present hall in the hut is in great demand and it is in constant use between 6pm - 9.30pm every week night and it is no longer big enough for all the groups that want to use it.

More than 300 young people currently attend Scout and Guide activities each week. The Scouts and Guides are therefore in the process of raising funds to build a new headquarters.

The Scouts and Guides would love to hear from anyone with time and talents to help them in the fund raising campaign. To contact their fundraising co-ordinator, e-mail: tim.johnson@pearson-jones.co.uk or call 01943 862777.