FOUR girl guiding volunteers from Bury, with a combined 130 years of service, have been honoured for their dedicated work with prestigious long service awards.

They were presented with specially-designed brooches in honour of their inspirational efforts by division commissioner Joan Wild at a recent ceremony at The Pack Horse, in Affetside.

Bernadette Pope-Moore, who has volunteered as a leader with 39th Bury Brownies at St Joseph’s Church for 40 years, said: “Volunteering for Girlguiding is such a rewarding experience and it’s been wonderful to work with so many young women and girls over the years and see the difference guiding makes to their lives.”

Janet Taylor is currently a Guide Leader with 25th Bury Guides, based at Christ Church, Walmersley, and has held many roles within the Bury Division Team and on the Lancashire South East County Team.

She said: “Guiding has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Volunteering has given me so many opportunities, experiences, life chances and countless happy memories. Highlights include being invited to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and escorting the Countess of Wessex when she opened the Adventure House at Waddow Hall in Clitheroe – but there’s just so many to list.”

Former Bury division commissioner Margaret Contractor received her award for service as a Guide Leader with 12th Bury Guides, based at St Peter’s Church and for her various roles within the borough, including being Division President in 2004.

She added: “I’m extremely proud to receive this award – I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 40 years, and I look forward to many more.”

Brownie Leader Sandra Perrott received the 10-year service award for her role with 6th Bury Brownies, based at Brandlesholme Methodist Church.

Sandra said: “Guiding opens up so many fantastic opportunities for girls to grow in confidence and become a powerful force for good in their communities. I would like to dedicate this award to all of the girls I have had the pleasure of knowing over the last ten years.”

Across Bury there are 124 young people on waiting lists who want to take part in Girlguiding – and the organisation needs more volunteers to give time to support local groups.

For more information visit girlguiding.org.uk.