RAINBOWS and leaders gathered last week to say a fond farewell to their 1st Tavistock unit leader.

Cuckoo Kerry Mitchell had been volunteering as a unit helper at the weekly meetings during 2014 — and as Kerry had never worked with a Rainbow unit before she quickly found her role provided lots of new skills and challenges.

When saying goodbye to the girls, Kerry said: 'Helping at Rainbows has enabled me to gain experience working with children — it's been such a worthwhile and rewarding experience.'

In helping the Rainbows make new friends, strengthen skills and achieve their goals, Kerry said she found her own ambitions and grew in confidence, resulting in a successful job application in the summer.

Rica Olver, leader of Tavy Division Girlguiding, said: 'Although Kerry has only been with us a short time she has made a real impact — the girls, and all of us, will miss her.'

Another leader at the unit has been enjoying personal success this year — Susannah Batten-Reveley, an assistant leader at the unit, gave birth to a young daughter Ariadne last month. Ariadne is already on the Rainbow waiting list and has accompanied her mother to meetings.

Rica said: 'Although Susannah still hopes to continue with the unit, this does leave leaders Cathy Steffens and Sue Bray with a gap to fill in their Girlguiding team.'

As well as Rainbows, there are several Brownie and Guide units needing adult helpers in the Tavistock area.

If you are over 18 years and fancy following Kerry's lead, by volunteering for an hour and a half on a weekday evening, during term-time, call Rica on 01822 612743 for more information.