AN unexpected downpour couldn't keep the Nottingham's Boys' Brigade from celebrating a landmark anniversary in the Old Market Square.
It's been 125 years since the organisation started in Nottingham and members hit the city centre for a day packed with sports and other activities.
The Brigade, which began in Nottingham in 1888, has worked with hundreds thousands of children since and now have 23 groups across the county.
They are now looking forward to setting up a new branch in St Andrew's Church in Chestnut Grove, off Mansfield Road, which will be the first where they join up with sister organisation the Girls' Association.
David Keetley, a development worker for the Boys' Brigade in Leicestershire and Nottingham Boys' Brigade, has been working professionally with the organisation since 2009.
He joined when he was six and said the Brigade was still able to offer young people unique opportunities.
He said: "We're running sessions in places where this kind of stuff isn't happening like St Ann's and Bestwood for example.
"We try to offer as much help and opportunities to young people so they can become the best they can be."
Ciera Dolan, a Girls' Association officer, said that often people picked up on a feeling of participation and involvement from days such as this, adding: "There's a feeling of real teamwork at these kind of events. We manage to network with lots of young people and build up lots of connections."
It already seems to be working; we met Kelum Mulhall, 13, a pupil at Djanogly Academy who turned up with his friends Mitchell and Adam – he said he's keen to get involved.
He said: "I'm going to join today."
He explained: "It keeps you from hanging around on the streets, meeting people who will get you into trouble."
For more information about the Boys' Brigade's work in Nottingham take a look at what's on their website at www.boys-brigade.org.uk.