TAVISTOCK Guider Kate Harding has taken over as new County Commissioner for the next five years.

Kate, who has been a leader with the 4th Tavistock (Methodist) Brownies and Guides for many years, took over the position at the annual meeting of Girlguiding Devon in Plymouth on March 15.

She said she was ?very honoured to have been chosen to lead Devon?.

A qualified trainer for the Guide Association, Kate has acted as adult training advisor and leadership co-ordinator for Devon and as Brownie advisor for South West England. During that time she helped develop resources for UK Brownies and represented the county at a conference in New Zealand.

Kate has also visited Kenya to work with Guides and leaders at special projects in shanty towns and refugee camps, and has taken local teenagers to stay with Guiding friends in British Columbia. In 2001 she was presented with a Silver Laurel Award, the highest award for services to Guiding.

Kate will continue in her role as a Guider with the 4th Tavistock units. Anyone interested in giving a little time to help with Rainbows, Brownies or Guides in Tavistock or the wider area is welcome to contact Kate on 01822 613661 or District Commissioner Kay Harrison on 615656.