A BROWNIE leader who has taught generations of children has hung up her uniform.

Lilian Nicholson, from Darwen’s Whitehall area, has been a Brown Owl at units across the town for 37 years, but at the age of 65, has been forced to retire.

To celebrate her work, the Springvale Brownie group held a surprise presentation for her where she was given gifts by current and past members of the organisation.

Lilian said: “I joined as a helper initially because I had four young daughters in the Brownies. Then I became Brown Owl at Park Road, which transferred to Ashleigh, and then became Springvale 25 years ago.

“I’ve absolutely loved it. For everything I’ve put in, I’ve got ten times as much out.

“You do spend a lot of time at meetings and planning activities, but it’s so worth while. It’s only stressful if you’re not enjoying it.

“I only wish I could pass some of my enthusiasm on to other people because we’re struggling to recruit new leaders.”

Mrs Nicholson said some of her best memories are from trips to London to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament with the children aged seven to 11, and she enjoyed seeing girls she has taught coming back to her with their own children and grandchildren.

She said: “It’s important that we help children experience things and build up their confidence.

“The organisation is now in its 100th year and it has definitely changed over the years I’ve been doing the job.

“In the early days we’d do crafts activities like knitting, but now everything is much more upbeat and involves computers. The children are far more sophisticated.

“We’re not as starchy and stodgy as we once were. Even our uniform now is quite trendy.”

The Girl Guiding Association rules specify that when members reach the age of 65 they must retire. This ruling is currently being looked into.

Eileen Walsh, Darwen division commander, said: “I have worked with Lillian since 1978 and it is a real shame to see her go.

“The kids really love her outlook. She’s very with it and in tune with what 21st century children like and want from the Brownies. She always tries to keep things at their level.

“She’s taught three generations of some children and is very well known and respected.”