A young woman from Hethersett has received the highest gong in Girlguiding, the Queen's Guide Award.

Heather Pullin, 19, from Richardson Crescent, was presented with the award at the House of Commons on June 11 by Girlguiding's most senior volunteer, chief guide Valerie Le Vaillant.

Ms Pullin said she was thrilled to receive the award, which followed a two-year series of personal challenges in areas such as social action, voluntary work and travel. These included organising a trip to Cardiff and supporting the charity Operation Christmas Child by packing shoeboxes with gifts for those in need.

Ms Pullin said she was delighted with the achievement. She said: 'Completing the Queen's Guide Award made a big difference to my life.

'It required a lot of organisation and planning as well as completing tasks I would usually shy away from.

'I developed my communication, leadership and confidence levels while meeting lots of new people and extending my guiding connections.'

Fewer than 150 Girlguiding members are presented with the award each year.

Ms Le Vaillant said: 'It was a real privilege to present the Queen's Guides with their awards.

'This group of young women are truly inspirational and they have done exceptionally well to achieve the Queen's Guide Award by taking positive action in their communities and beyond.

'They are our next inspiring female role models who have proved they are a force for good.

'They should all be very proud of their achievements.'