A HAMPSHIRE woman has been honoured for her 50 years of volunteering.

Jane Rawlinson was presented with a specially-designed brooch to recognise her work as a Chandler’s Ford Girlguiding volunteer.

Jane, who is leader at third Chandler’s Ford Ramalley Brownies, first became involved in guiding when she lived in Kenya and joined the Brownies before joining the Chandler’s Ford Group in 1967. She has supported hundreds of young girls since.

She said: “I’m extremely proud to receive this award. Volunteering for girlguiding is such a rewarding experience and it’s been wonderful to work with so many young women and girls over the years and see the difference Guiding makes to their lives. Guiding opens up so many fantastic opportunities for girls to grow in confidence and become a powerful force for good in their communities. I would like to dedicate this award to all of the girls I have had the pleasure of knowing over the last 50 years.”

County commissioner Anne Falconer presented Jane with the award and said: “I want to take this opportunity say a huge thank you to Jane for her wonderful service to Girlguiding, who has given her best over the last 50 years in order to enable girls and young women to be the best they can be.”

Ms Falconer added: “She has helped hundreds of girls discover new things, make great friends and learn life skills, whilst at the same time allowing them to have a voice and, most importantly, to have fun. We are so lucky to have a Leader like Jane in our county.”