TWO March sisters who have devoted more than 40 years of their lives to girl guiding have received a prestigious award.

Gladys and Freda Harwin, who both joined the Brownies aged seven, were awarded the Girl guiding Cambridgeshire East Lily Award.

They were presented with a specially-designed brooch in honour of their service by Jean Verney, Cambridgeshire East’s county commissioner for girl guiding.

She said: “Gladys and Freda have been inspirational to generations of girls and young women and have encouraged hundreds of girls and young women to fulfil their potential, many of whom are now volunteers in guiding themselves.”

Gladys was leader of first March Guides, camp adviser and ran the Fenland Guides trading depot. She is still an active member of the Trefoil Guild and a county vice president.

She said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute. I’m extremely proud to have received this award.”

Freda was “Brown Owl” with first March Brownies, ran the catering at numerous guide camps and was a Brownie holiday adviser before joining the Trefoil Guild.

She is girl guiding March District president and a county vice president

She said: “I have received so much out of guiding through the years. I’ve seen guiding change as the lives of girls have changed.”