A BROWNIE leader from March has been honoured with the highest accolade in Girlguiding.

Emily Syred was presented with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award at Cambridgeshire East’s Girlguiding Awards event.

But the 20-year-old went one better when she was also awarded Girlguiding UK’s Star of Merit by county commissioner Sue Carpenter.

Ms Carpenter, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to present both these very well-deserved awards to Emily.

“Throughout her time in guiding, she has taken up every opportunity she has been given. She proves that you can achieve anything you set your mind on and serves as an inspiration to us all.”

The merit award is the highest honour for any guide aged five to 26, and rewards those who act as a role model for others.

The DofE award recognised Emily’s hard work volunteering for a year with 4th March Brownies, as well as developing her skills as a euphonium player and learning Pilates.

She also took part in a week-long Jubilee Sailing Trust voyage to celebrate guiding’s centenary, where she sailed on the STS Lord Nelson, and a cycling expedition in Yorkshire.

Emily said: “By completing the Gold Award I feel I have gained so much, such as developing team-working skills on a trip with 43 other people I didn’t know whilst on board the STS Lord Nelson.

“I have learnt a great deal about myself - and the memory of being at the helm of the 491-tonne vessel as we rounded Lands End in gale-force winds will stay with me and the other crew members forever!”