AN INSPIRATIONAL young woman from Okehampton has risen to the challenge to achieve the highest award in Girlguiding.

Emily Franco, 21, was presented with her Queen’s Guide Award at the House of Commons by Julie Bell, deputy chief guide, during a special ceremony on March 9.

To achieve the prestigious award Emily took on a series of personal challenges in areas such as social action, voluntary work and travel. Fewer than 150 young women out of the hundreds of thousands of Girlguiding members are presented with the award each year and the challenges must be completed between the ages of 16 to 26.

Emily took three years to finish her challenges. These included organising a trip to the Harry Potter tour at Warner Brothers Studio for over 50 Brownies.

Emily said: ‘This trip meant a lot to me as the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I have been able to give them an opportunity that that may have otherwise not have had.

‘It’s hard to put into words what it means to achieve my Queen’s Guide Award.

‘It was definitely a challenge and I learnt a lot about myself.

‘I’m proud of what I have achieved; it’s helped me develop as a person and become more confident in myself.’

Julie Bell, deputy chief guide said: ‘It’s a privilege to present all these incredible young women with their Queen’s Guide Awards.

‘Hearing about the range of challenges each of them took on and the effort they’ve put in is truly inspiring. Girlguiding is all about giving girls opportunities to challenge themselves and try new things in a supportive environment. They should be very proud of their achievements.’

Outdoor swimmer Ella Foote gave an inspirational talk at the ceremony. Over the last few years she has completed an English Channel relay crossing, a 24-hour 12-mile swim, the Thames Marathon 14K and the Dart 10K.

Ella Foote said: ‘It was amazing to hear about all the incredible challenges these young women took on to achieve their Queen’s Guide Awards.

They’ve all demonstrated what can be achieved through hard work, determination and commitment and it’s really exciting to think about what adventures they’ll go on to have in the future.’

Girlguiding was able to host this event thanks to support received from players of People’s Postcode Lottery which raises money for charities and good causes across Great Britain.

For more information about how to get involved with Girlguiding, the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk