FOUR out of 10 schoolgirls can't even boil an egg and 25 per cent prefer texting to talking.

A Guide Association study found an alarming skills vacuum and hug gaps in the knowledge of 8-15 year olds.

Some believed cats, rabbits and sheep were close to extinction and others that tigers, pandas and elephants were native to Britain.

Half didn't know the value of money and one said you could always use a credit card if you ran out of cash. Dream on.

One promising Delia's idea of cooking was going to Tesco to buy packets. Pity her poor family when she grows up. Still judging by my trolley-spotting that's what many young families do.

The breakdown of the family unit has left many girls stranded in basic living issues and schools have not helped by dumping domestic science.

I suppose they can always learn from the plethora of TV cooking programmes if they want to save money or get off their backsides and not wait for food to be delivered to the door on a platter.

After studying the survey's findings the Guide Association hopes to come to the rescue by developing learning activities for members.

Good on them -- and if anyone's interested in passing on their skills or in helping young people develop the Guides in Westleigh and Bickershaw are looking for new leaders.

Anyone who can help should contact the XII Apostles, Westleigh, Guide Leader Lesley Garvey on 01942 262135.