The 'exciting and bold' relocation to the Peak District will give the Girls' Brigade access to on-site facilities for activities and gatherings. In addition, being part of the mission and learning community at Cliff gives new opportunities to further develop in relevant and contemporary mission.

The mission movement (part of GB Ministries, which also includes Arise Ministries and the koko initiative) has been in Didcot, Oxfordshire for a quarter of a century, spending the last nine years at Baptist House. 

The move will take place by spring 2014, just as Girls' Brigade rounds up celebrations for its 120th year in local church mission.

Ruth Gilson, national director of both Girls' Brigade and GB Ministries, said the movement was 'thrilled to be taking this new step as part of the continuing story of God at work through the mission'.

'This move to Cliff College is part of the huge journey of remoulding that GB has been on over the past few years,' said Ruth.

'We began as church mission among girls in an era of real need for girls to discover their worth and identity and we know our DNA - we're part of a church that believes lives are transformed and enriched as generations seek, serve and follow Jesus Christ - and we're passionate about living this out among today's children and young people.

'But the context is changing. These days we're part of 21st century church in a world that is largely disengaging from us.

To be based within Cliff's missional learning community provides new opportunities for us both to develop further in relevant mission for this new context - and we're expectant of what God is going to do through this new relationship.

'It's sad to leave Didcot after 25 years and to move on from our base at Baptist House. God was in our move here nine years ago, and has blessed us, and now we trust Him in this new step.'

The Revd Dr Chris Blake, principal of Cliff College, added, 'This is a really exciting development for Cliff College as well as for the Girls' Brigade. We look forward to working together with our new colleagues in the shared vision of encouraging people to be effective disciples of Jesus Christ.'