A GROUP of volunteers were honoured for their commitment to Girlguiding.

Five women from Gloucestershire have been rewarded for their dedication to Girlguiding with a prestigious Compass Award presented by Girlguiding South West England Region.

The five leaders were presented with certificates, badges and bouquets by Girlguiding South West England’s chief commissioner Solange Rebours and the organisation’s president, Ruth Sara, at a ceremony at Millfield House Hotel, in Salisbury, on Sunday, September 7.

Diane Ansell, of Dursley, from Girlguiding West Division, received her award for enabling more girls to experience Guiding by opening up a new Brownie unit in Cam by working efficiently with local leaders.

Joy Hopkins, of Stroud, from Mid Gloucestershire Division, received her award for services to Guiding at Unit, District and Division level.

Emma Byrne, from Girlguiding Mid Division, received a Chief Commissioners Commendation for continuing to run her unit despite illness.

Val Thomas, Division Commissioner for Girlguiding Gloucester Division, received her award for her services as activities and adventure team leader for Gloucestershire and as Walking Adviser for the South West.

Tracey Phillip, from Girlguiding Gloucester Division, received her award for services to Guiding at unit, district and division level.

Diane Ansell said: “I was delighted and humbled to receive the award for initiating the opening of new units in my district. To me it was just a way of giving more girls their own space to be girls and allow any girl who wants it, a chance to be a member of our Girlguiding family.”

Joy Hopkins said: “I've been an adult leader for over 25 years holding posts at unit, district, division and county level during that time.

"I love running my Brownie unit which is always full with a waiting list. I enjoy sharing with the girls the skills I learnt as a Brownie, but enabling them to meet the new challenges they face in life.

"I think it important that the girls are given a girl only space to be themselves and express their ideas. I was so surprised to hear I was nominated for this award and felt really proud to receive it on Saturday from Solange.”

The Girlguiding South West England Compass Award is given to recognise the dedication of members at local level who give their time to provide good quality guiding to the girls in their units and to the benefit of their local community.

Girlguiding gives girls and young women their own space to have fun, grow in confidence and discover their full potential. For more information, call 0800 1 69 59 01 or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.