MORE than 100 Girlguiding leaders were welcomed to a special training day at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy by Swindon North MP Justin Tomlinson.

Guide leaders attended the ‘Quest for Skills’ event, which featured training on leadership, how to manage difficult behaviour, safeguarding the membership, and there was also a presentation on ‘Dementia Friends’.

Members of the Senior Section (young women aged 14-25), meanwhile, had their own sessions which included opportunities for international travel, spending time outdoors, peer education and team building exercises.

MrTomlinson opened the event, on Saturday, affirming that the leadership skills gained as a Guide are very valuable not only in volunteering and being out and about in the community, but they were also an important ability to bring into the workplace.

As the Minister for Disabled People Mr Tomlinson applauded the Guides' efforts in fields such as inclusion and access for all, and he thanked those present for the time they give to the Guiding movement

"The Guiding movement in the UK continues to be the leading charity for girls and young women. With turn outs like these, it looks like it will retain that title for some time to come, " he said.

Following the event one of the Senior Section attendees said: "I really enjoyed meeting others in the Senior Section during the afternoon and finding out just how many different and exciting opportunities and experiences are open to me as a member of Girlguiding."