A GIRLGUIDING volunteer has been honoured for her work supporting girls and young women over the last 40 years.

Hazel Wharfe, who lives in the Ribble Valley, was awarded the prestigious long service award at Girlguiding’s iconic Waddow Hall.

East Lancashire’s Guiding commissioner Harriet Wibberley Smith told the special meeting how Hazel had started Guiding at Worsthorne Guides, before moving to Read where she was Snowy Owl, then Brown Owl at Read Brownies.

She then went on to found a second guide unit at Read before becoming Whalley District Commissioner, then Ribble Valley Division Commissioner, followed by Division President and Treasurer.

Hazel said: “Guiding is very rewarding. “Helping young people gain self-esteem and self-reliance for today’s modern living is important.”

Mrs Wibberley Smith said: “Hazel has lived the Promise through 40 year of service in Girlguiding and has positively influenced the lives of literally thousands of girls and young women, supporting their development, learning and confidence by facilitating activities and events.”

“Her contribution to Guiding in the Ribble Valley is truly an inspiration to us all.”

The meeting also praised the efforts of two teenager who supported victims of last year’s Boxing Day floods,

Grace Macdonald and Olivia Hurst, members of 2nd Whalley Guide Unit, went out and helped take supplies to victims of the floods in Whalley.

They were awarded Girlguiding North West England’s new President’s Award, which recognises young members who have gone above and beyond to help others.

Hazel Dalton, their guide leader, said: “I’m so proud of the girls for giving up their own time to help others.”

“Having been a victim of the flooding, it was comforting and heart-warming to have local residents and Girlguiding members rallying round to support us. “In the initial aftermath, when it was very difficult to see beyond the mess, it was heartening to have two smiley faces in their guiding uniform bring hot soup and sandwiches to me and others affected by the floods.”