OVER 500 people gave an enthusiastic reception to the Biggleswade Scout and Guide centenary gang show at Holmemead School on Saturday. They were entertained by 200 youngsters to a quick-fire medley of songs, dance routines and hilarious sketches that had

OVER 500 people gave an enthusiastic reception to the Biggleswade Scout and Guide centenary gang show at Holmemead School on Saturday.

They were entertained by 200 youngsters to a quick-fire medley of songs, dance routines and hilarious sketches that had the audience rolling in the aisles.

Star turn was the 17-strong dance troupe of brownies and guides who performed a well rehearsed and spectacular kaleidoscope of colour to the song Hope For You and Me. They were followed by the entire cast who sang the lyrics.

Musical director Clive Stainton, who is masterminding a national scouts extravaganza at the O2 Arena in Greenwich in the autumn, made the three-hour journey from his home in Herefordshire to the Gang Show specifically to see the troupe perform.

He said afterwards: "It was a brilliant and exciting presentation and I would love to see them perform on the bigger London stage.

"I was particularly impressed by the massed choir's singing after the dance routine. I have never heard the lyrics sung with more gusto."

And Clive should know - he wrote the song.

Scout leaders Nick Gurney and Bev Lattimer, who co-produced the Biggleswade show and contributed to several of the sketches, are now waiting for Mr Stainton's invitation for the troupe to take part in the national event.

It will be a fitting climax to a year of scouting activities for the duo who have put so much effort into the production.