THREE Girl Guides were awarded with top honours on Thursday, June 16.

Three of Hexham First Girl Guides received their Gold Award by the campfire at Dilston Scout Camp.

All aged 13, Bethan Lethbridge-Forrow, Meghan Stokes and Sophie Findlay received the highest award possible as a Guide.

The three girls have all progressed through Hexham-based Rainbows, Brownies and now Guides over many years of commitment to Girl Guiding.

READ MORE: Couples getting married could soon tie the knot at new countryside venue

Hexham First Girl Guide Leader, Helen Forrow, said: "We are so proud of these three girls, they epitomise the ethos of girl guiding and over the years we have been leaders for the unit we have seen all three grow into fantastic young women who are independent, strong and confident in all that they do."

To achieve the award, the three guides have committed to numerous badges and activities, including over 30 hours of unit-based activities, six Interest badges including 'Fixing', 'Guiding History' and 'Mixology', as well as six multipart Skills Builders such as 'Live Smart', 'Make a Change' and 'Communicate'.

Their unit leaders said they are proud of them and designed the fireside ceremony as a celebration of what they have achieved.

From June 10 until June 12, the First Hexham Guide Unit went on an annual camping trip in the Lake District to take part in activities like tree climbing, crag climbing, bridge building and leap of faith.