A GIRL guide had a date with royalty to honour the active part she has played within the community.

Sarah Newton, aged 21, of Oakwood Drive, Heaton, is one of 40 girls nationally to receive the Queen's Guide award, handed to her by the Countess of Wessex.

Miss Newton was handed a brooch in a prestigious ceremony held at the organisation's headquarters in Buckingham Palace Road, London. The Countess is the President of Girlguiding UK. Miss Newton said: "I have had so much fun working towards my Queen's Guide Award, it has given me the opportunity to experience lots of challenges and learn amazing new skills. Going to London and meeting the Countess was such a memorable occasion." Miss Newton is a member of the Bolton Winter Hill Rangers, part of the 52nd Unit of Heaton.

She gained her award through organising events for Brownies, going on a Commonwealth Camp, and raising money overseas through schemes such as a Christmas Card delivery service.

She has also gained a camp permit so she is qualified to take Brownies on camping trips and completed an outdoor challenge weekend.

Currently a student at Surrey University studying Nutrition and dietetics, Miss Newton has been a Girl Guide since the age of ten.

Running since 1946, the Queen's Guide Award recognises and rewards outstanding dedication, skills and commitment in Guiding. The award is open to members aged 16 to 25-years-old.

Former Bolton School pupil Miss Newton, said she enjoyed meeting Sophie Wessex, who she found to be very warm and down to earth.

She said: "There were 40 of us receiving awards and she took the time to speak to all of us. She asked me about what things I had been doing to get the award."

Sarah has already met the Duke Edinburgh at St James' Palace when she received her gold Duke of Edinburgh award.