A MUCH-loved Guide leader will say farewell to her girls after 40 years of volunteering.

Margaret Goodson has seen four decades of girls enjoy camps, parties, arts and sport in Littleport since signing up as a volunteer in 1973.

She has been leader, District and Division Commissioner, camp adviser and a founder member of the Littleport Guide and Scout Hut committee.

During this time she has seen hundreds of girls take part in all the adventurous activities Guides has to offer including camping, water sports and International travel.

Margaret will remain as the local guiding representative on the Littleport Guide and Scout Hut committee so that she keeps in contact with her many guiding friends.

The girls gave her a special send-off at the Division campfire, an annual event that attracts over 150 members.

The event was attended by many of Margaret’s former Guides, as well as current members from Haddenham, Witchford and Ely.

A bouquet of flowers was presented to her from her unit, a rose bush and chocolates from the District and a Dartington Crystal vase from the Division to say thank you for her hard work.

County Commissioner Jean Verney was on hand to present Margaret and two other local leaders with the County Lily award for services to guiding within Cambridgeshire East who she said were all remarkable women.

Barbara Kippax of Ely received an award for long-standing and dedicated service to Ely City District as Commissioner and Leader, particularly during the re-build of the Guide Hall and as County Chairman of the Trefoil Guild.

Christine Turnbull, of Ely, received her award for her infinite capacity to take on a wide range of appointments, to consistently give of her all, and to still run the 3rd Ely Guides giving her girls the best of guiding.