The troop had been in their previous hut since 1970 and Sally Brentall, First Thame Rainbows Leader, said the feeling was that the time was right to make a move.

She added: "It was only supposed to be a temporary building at the time. The lease came up for renewal so it was time to do something about it."

Funding for the new building, which cost around £375,000, came from a variety of sources including South Oxfordshire District Council, Thame Town Council and fundraising activities.

Mrs Brentall said various dignitaries attended the day including Thame deputy mayor Nichola Dixon, Banbury Town Crier Anthony Church and representatives from SODC.

She added: "There was a flag parade with the guide leaders standing behind the flag bearers. Julia Hussey, president of Girl Guiding in Thame, and Rainbow Alexandra Wilson, opened the new building before guests were invited on a guided tour of the hut."

Mrs Brentall said everyone is delighted with the new facility.

"It's just amazing," she added. "The small hall is slightly smaller than before but the large hall is now one-and-a-half times its previous size. There is a kitchen in the middle and we have our own camp and craft stores.

Thame Town Council has also helped us put in a car park."

Mrs Brentall said several community groups across the town were already using the new building and described the day as the start of a new era for girl guiding in Thame.