A Guide leader has recevied the highest accolade which can be given by the movement.

Elizabeth Chambers, 26, of Wimbourne Close in Buckhurst Hill, has received the Queen's Guide Award for exceptional leadership and commnuity action.

Ms Chambers, a Guide Leader for the 18th Woodford Guides, was presented with the award by Chief Guide Gill Slocombe at a special ceremony.

To receive the award, Guide members must embark on a series of challenges, including a four-day expedition to oversee a community action project, and devote a year to cultivating a skill of their choice.

Ms Chambers chose to travel by sea to work on a HIV/AIDS project in South Africa.

She said: "My trip to South Africa probably made me the person I am today.

"The Queen’s Guide experience was amazing, and it has opened up so many doors for me.

"I still want to strive to achieve more and to help within the organisation to ensure that every young girl gets the same experience and opportunities that I had in Girlguiding.”

Chief Guide Gill Slocombe, said: "The Queen’s Guide Award embodies all that’s best about guiding.

"This challenge has helped them become confident, skilled, self-reliant young women ready to make a positive difference to the world around them, and I have no doubt that they will.”