TWO lucky Edgworth girls have been selected to represent the North-west on an international girl guide jamboree in Canada.

Jessica Barnett, aged 14, and Emily Hills, aged 15, have been chosen from hundreds of girls and are now trying to raise £1,200 each for the trip of a lifetime.

Jessica, of Greenacres, and Emily, of Crown Gardens, will travel to New Brunswick, Canada, in July with six other North-west Guides and two leaders.

The Turton High School pupils have been members of the 10th Bolton St Anne's Guides, who meet weekly at St James Church, Edgworth, for four years.

Guide leader Gina James said: "It's lovely to see girls who I've watched grow up go on to do something like this. Both girls have very out-going personalities and are willing to have a go at anything, they will have a great time and I'm very proud of them."

Jessica said: "I cried when I was chosen because I just couldn't believe it, it's a once in a lifetime chance. I've never been abroad on my own before so it will be very exciting. All my friends and my older brother Robert are really jealous."

Emily's mum, Helen said: "I'm thrilled for Emily and she's really excited." The two-week international camp will involve guides from across the world enjoying a combination of camping activities organised by the host country, outdoor pursuits, community projects and sight-seeing.

The Region's International Advisor, Helen Entwistle, said: "These exchanges have been running for years and we always get positive feedback.

"It gives the girls such an eye opener to the rest of the world and they come back so enthusiastic."