A DEVOTED Rainbows Leader celebrated 20 years of volunteering with a special party thrown by a Blackburn group.

Caroline Cox first became a leader when she was 16 years old and has since completed more than 1,000 hours of volunteering with the Girl Guiding group.

She now wants to carry on the tradition by mentoring new leaders who can help shape the future for generations of five to seven-year-olds.

The 36-year-old originally started herself as a Rainbow at St Peter’s in Rossendale and when she left Haslingden High School dedicated her time one night a week as well as occasional weekends.

Mrs Cox, who has just left her group at Blackburn’s Redeemer Church, said: “Rainbows is still as popular as ever. We currently have 25 people on the waiting list at the Redeemer in Blackburn and it’s a group that is still going strong.

“I have worked with hundreds of children over the years and it has been extremely rewarding.”

Mrs Cox will now step down as a leader of ?? and become a mentor for others.

The Blackburn Rovers steward manager and ‘Gifts at Ewood’ store owner said she plans to concentrate on guiding other volunteers.

She said: “I am confident that the Rainbows will run for an extra 30 years and more. When a child joins the group they learn the four L’s - to Look, Learn, Laugh and Love. It has been fantastic to see the transformation and confidence a child receives when they take on these four values.”

Rainbows learn to grow and learn through a series of activities and trips.

Leaders inspire them to try new things, challenge themselves and have fun.

Mrs Cox said she would also urge others to come forward and help out.

She said: “People can have fun while making a difference to the lives of others. I have been doing it for twenty years and all though it is a long time I am not allowed to retire from Rainbows just yet.

“You can become a volunteer at any age and at any time of your life. It’s a really special thing to do and you are inspiring the children which is such a reward in itself.”

“I have loved every minute of it.” For volunteer opportunities visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.