BROWNIE guiders from the Darwen Division were presented with long service awards for their contribution to the organisation.

County commissioner Janet Donnelly presented the awards to Barbara Clare for 30 years service, Lilian Nicholson for 25 years, and Kath Baker for 10 years. And Darwen Division badge secretary Jean Redwood received a surprise 'thanks' badge for her work over the years.

Division commissioner Olive Bolton said: "Jean had no idea she was to receive this award. As she is the badge secretary, I had to pretend the award was for her mother so she could authorise it!"

She added: "Jean has been a good help for many years, from being treasurer and badge secretary, to going on pack holidays. If you want a job doing, you only have to ask her."

The speaker at the ceremony was Joyce Marden, who gave a talk on her visit to one of the guiding association's international centres in India.