LEADERS of Timperley Rainbows, Brownies and second Ashton on Mersey South Guides have been selected to represent the North West in a social action project.

Two leaders, Debbie Middleton and Hannah Marsland, and three young leaders, Hannah Allen, Abbie Middleton and Libby Tiernan, will be travelling across the world, representing Girlguiding North West England.

The young leaders attended a selection weekend over the summer to experience what it is like to stay in more rural and tough environments. The girls were put to the test to build their own shelters, cook full meals over campfires and undertake other survival activities. Hannah, Abbie and Libby were selected out of a group of over 50 girls for their teamwork and leadership skills.

Hannah Allen, a young leader at third Timperley Brownies said: “I’m looking forward to the experience of travelling to a new country with a group of girls with the same goals and interests. I am really excited about working with the Manatee population as I have never seen one before.”

At the end of July next year Hannah Marsland, Abbie Middleton and Hannah Allen will travel to Belize to work with conservation organisations to survey the population, behaviour and habitat of the West-Indian manatee, a species that is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Abbie Middleton, a young leader at fourth Timperley Rainbow Unit said: “Girlguiding has provided me with many skills and a lot of independence. I am most excited to start working with the animals and get in the water.”

Hannah Marsland, a Leader at third Timperley Rainbow Unit, said: “I’m really thankful to everyone who has supported my fundraising so far. I am most excited about the conservation project itself; getting in the water and making a positive difference. I’ve been given so many great opportunities through Girlguiding and wanted to give something back to the next generation of girls and young women.”

Debbie and Libby will take part in a different project. Debbie will be part of a team of four leaders, taking a large group of Guides to Switzerland to take part in community action projects.

Libby will be travelling to Nepal to work with the charity ‘Classrooms in the Clouds’ to make education accessible to children in the mountain communities around Mount Everest.

Libby Tiernan, a young leader at second Ashton on Mersey South Guides, said: “I'm looking forward to visiting a part of the world I'd never usually have the opportunity to visit, and being able to help people in a very unique situation.”