GUIDES in the Tavy Rangers were presented with awards for their achievements throughout 2012 at a recent presentation evening.

The girls and young women, from 14 to 26 years old, have taken advantage of some of the numerous opportunities available to them as members of Girlguiding UK.

The Baden Powell Award is the highest award achievable to Girl Guides aged 14. It involves the individual completing 10 clauses followed by attending a county-based activity residential weekend. The award was presented to Kate Harris, Lucy Hounsell, Anna and Nicola Kelly.

The Chief Guide Award, the highest award achievable at 16 but can be achieved up to 26, involves undertaking three short activities relating to eight specific areas, then identifying one aspect from each area and undertaking 12 hours of activity for each.

This award was presented to Daire O'Shea Warmin, Beth Abel, Hannah Greep, Holly Gibbs, Beth Scrivener, Megan Abel, Kate Pilkington, Jemima Simpson and Laura Eggins.

Both of these awards involve international work, leadership skills, cultural understanding and personal development.

At 14 years old senior section members can work as part of the leader team at Rainbow and Brownie units and older members can work with guides.

To achieve the Young Leader Award they have to give a 12 month commitment to working as part of the team and undertake a training programme and be assessed in action.

The award was presented to Hannah Greep, Holly Gibbs, Megan Abel, Kate Pilkington, Jemima Simpson, Laura Eggins and Rebecca Steuart.

Having completed the Young Leader Award, the young person can continue the training programme to complete the adult qualification when they turn 18.

This Adult Leader Award was presented to Ailish Piper.

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards were presented to Jess Dingle, Beth Abel, Jemima Simpson, Kate Pilkington, Beth Benyon, Holy Gibbs, Megan Abel, Hannah Greep, Beth Scrivener and Laura Eggins.

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards were presented to Pip Tigwell, Lizzie Clarkson and Ailish Piper.

Senior section leader for Tavy Division of Girlguiding Janet Piper said: 'There are numerous opportunities for local young women to participate in.

'Once mobile they can join county schemes, become service crew at events, be a peer educator and become the voice of young women at a national level.

'I believe we are still seen as undertaking knitting and knot tying badges.

'We have moved with our strap line as "Girls in the Lead". We aim to be relevant to today's girls promoting self government.'

These awards demonstrate what can be gained through being a member of Tavy Rangers.

Many more opportunities are available at county and South West region levels, for example crewing a tall ship or gaining international experiences.

If anyone would like information about Tavy Rangers, contact Janet Piper on 01822 613856.

For more information about girlguiding for all ages visit http://www.girlguiding.org.uk">www.girlguiding.org.uk