THREE girls who are members of Girlguiding have been presented their awards by Mayor of Hexham Derek Kennedy.

Two Rainbows members, Katie Richardson and Katie Corbett (both seven), along with Brownie Hannah Hughes-Jones (10) received Girlguiding Gold Awards, the highest award.

To earn these awards, the girls had to complete six skill building activities, such as first aid and survival, as well as at least six of the interest badges on offer to them, including archaeology and family tree.

They completed this during lockdown, attending local zoom meetings but also joined in County and Region days to help them on their way.

The Division Commissioner for Hexham Tynedale West, Stephanie Collins, said: “This is a wonderful achievement by all three girls, the first in the Division to gain their Gold Awards. Thanks should go to their parents and unit leaders for all the support given in person and on Zoom over this time.”

Derek Kennedy, who presented the awards at Hexham Bandstand, said: “I was delighted to hand out the awards.

“They have all worked very hard to achieve them and should be very proud of their efforts.”