AN INSPIRATIONAL young woman from Stretford has risen to the challenge to achieve the highest award in Girlguiding.

Amy Fraser, 27, was presented with her Queen’s Guide Award at the House of Commons on June 11 by Chief Guide Valerie Le Vaillant, Girlguiding’s most senior volunteer.

To achieve the prestigious award she took on a series of personal challenges in areas such as social action, voluntary work and travel. Fewer than 150 Girlguiding members are presented with the award each year.

Amy took four years to finish her challenges and these included organising an exploration trip to York.

She said: “I have more confidence because of the Queen’s Guide Award. I’m a leader at Brownie and Guide units and I can now take them on holidays. At the end of the year I will be running an adventure weekend to York using the information gathered from my expedition.”

Girlguiding’s Chief Guide Valerie Le Vaillant said of Amy and the other award winners: “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.”

For more information about how to get involved with Girlguiding visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.