GIRLS in South Lakeland are being encouraged to forget what they think they know about Girlguiding and give it a go.

Becky Flight, who has been a Brownie leader in Kendal for the past 10 years, spent last weekend in North Wales, whizzing across a slate quarry on a zipwire.

"Eighteen months ago I was asked to join the Growing Guiding team here in Cumbria South," Becky said. "A team that is tasked with trying to increase the numbers of girls and adult volunteers within guiding. This isn’t always an easy task. Ask your average person what Guiding means to them and you’ll get everything from embroidery, making cups of tea, ridge tents and bobble hats!"

Everyone from the senior section in Cumbria was invited to join the centenary celebration trip to Bethesda.

Becky, 37, said that her own experience had been 'anything but' embroidery and tea making as she had spent many weekends away canoeing and climbing.

"Girl Guides in the 21st century have more opportunity than ever before," Becky said. "Not only to get into the outdoors and try new activities but also to do fast-paced, adrenaline fuelled crazy activities."

"The girls on our trip showed everything that we know young girls are capable of: grit, determination, bravery, humour, fun, courage and confidence."

Becky said that in the Kendal area there were more girls interested in being part of Guides than they had leaders to cope with and the area needed more adult volunteers.

"Girlguiding has so much to offer, especially when you are a bit older," she said. "The brand is really cool and the message is really good. It's really empowering of girls and I think people are drawn to that. It's just getting people in and keeping them hooked."

If you would live to get involved with Guiding, you can visit https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/