HELEN Lockwood has been recognised as one of the top Guides in the country after setting up her own group in Clayton-le-Moors.

The 28-year-old travelled to London to receive the Queen's Guide Award last week, having spent three years working towards the accolade.

Only a handful of Girlguiding’s half a million members complete the award each year, which involves a four-day outdoor adventure, overseeing two community projects and devoting a year to cultivating a new skill.

Among the tasks Helen chose to tackle were earning a license to take Brownies on group holidays and attending Girlguiding’s national youth conference, where she had a say in the future of guiding.

She received her award from Chief Guide Gill Slocombe at a special ceremony in London on 18 November.

Helen, who is a leader with 3rd Clayton-le-Moors Guides, said: “Doing my Queen’s Guide gave me confidence and boosted my self-esteem. It helped me develop my skills so I felt comfortable enough to open my own Guide group.”

Gill said: “Girlguiding’s research shows most girls aged 16 to 21 aspire to take on leadership roles in their future careers, but they need to see more inspiring women at the top to give them the confidence to do so.

“The Queen’s Guide is all about showing young women that this is possible, that they have the potential to take on any challenge the world throws at them and become tomorrow’s leaders in all walks of life,so they can go on to inspire the next generation to aim high.”

Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, with 553,633 members.

With around100,000 volunteers, the movement is active in every part of the UK, giving girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities.

To find out more or get details of local groups visit www.girlguiding.org.uk