Brave Brownies spent the night in Cumbria’s own Hogwarts amid ghouls and the biting cold to raise £1,000 for Cumbria Community Foundation.

First Wetheral Brownies took part in a Harry Potter-themed sleepover in the historic castle, which lies just outside of Brampton, as part of the Big Sleep for Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth campaign.

The group of girls has taken part in the challenge for the last few years and has raised thousands to help struggling Cumbrians.

Janice Brown, leader of the Brownies, said: “We are indebted to Philip Howard for allowing us free reign of part of his home for the event.

“We slept in the great hall and used the gardens for themed games and treasure hunts.”

They got to tour the dungeons of the picturesque building as well as having invisibility cloak rallies and eating chocolate frogs.

Ellen Smart, seven-years-old, was the youngest participant who also made her Brownie promise on the night.

She said: “I loved making my Brownie Promise next to the huge fire in the Great Hall and I loved all the treasure hunts and games.”

They managed to raise £900 which was then boosted to £1,000 with a generous donation from Philip Howard, the owner of the castle.

The girls were also kept well-fed thanks to the Co-op in Warwick Bridge.

Philip Howard said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host the Brownies at Naworth.

“They were particularly brave to sleep the night with all the ghosts, the scary ancestral portraits and a ten-foot stuffed giraffe’s head, never mind the cold.

“I am pleased that all 26 survived the night.”

Janice is particularly proud of how much the girls achieved of the six themes in the Brownie programme.