SHARON Weaver received an unforgettable surprise when a group of girls and young women recognised her as a 'Guiding Idol' for her volunteer efforts.

Sharon, 38, a volunteer at the 9th Bolton (St Bedes, Morris Green) Guide and Senior Section Unit, was named as one of 64 ‘Guiding Idols’ in Girlguiding North West England — a campaign led by the regional charity to recognise its volunteers for their efforts.

This year’s celebration was extra special, as it fell within The Senior Section Centenary.

Girlguiding’s Senior Section is open to all girls aged 14 to 25, offering a host of opportunities to older girls in guiding — from international travel and outdoor adventure sports to peer mentoring, advocacy and leadership skills.

Girlguiding North West England members were asked to nominate a Guiding Idol — a volunteer that they felt was an inspirational role model.

Following the nominations, a youth panel of girls and young women, aged five to 14, were tasked with the difficult challenge of selecting nominees from each of the charity’s 17 guiding counties.

The volunteers were invited to attend a special celebration afternoon at Girlguiding North West England’s Region Headquarters in Preston.

During the celebrations, Sharon received a Region Thanks badge from the Region Chief Commissioner, Julie Bell, and had yet another surprise when a plaque was unveiled in the Region Headquarters’ garden — a memorable tribute that named all 64 Guiding Idols for their achievement.

There are 14,619 inspirational volunteers in the north west. Anyone who has a couple of hours to give or wants to volunteer go to girlguiding.org.uk/interested.