Sidmouth Guides are appealing for more volunteers to become leaders or helpers with their group.

The Guides meet at their HQ in Lawn Vista between 6.30 and 8pm on Thursdays during term time, offering girls aged between 10 and 14 'fun, friendship and the opportunity to learn new skills and try out different activities'. The subscription is £30 a year.

The activities offered by Sidmouth Guides include crafts, cooking, games such as tag rugby, and barbecues on the beach. There are also outings to venues such as the Norman Lockyer Observatory and Bristol. Guides also have the opportunity to earn badges in topics such as Art and Healthy Eating.

Guide leader Emily Francis, who works at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “It's lively, sociable and very rewarding. Every week is different – we could be learning orienteering, creating a performance or toasting marshmallows over a campfire. I enjoy providing the girls with a fun, relaxed space to just be themselves, and they give so much back.”

Guide Edie, aged 11, said: “It's good to have the opportunity to make new friends outside of school and be part of the community. For example, we crafted fish that were used as part of the scenery for the Sidmouth pantomime. I also like it that the Guides decide what activities we want to do.”

Fellow guide Poppy, also aged 11, said: “I've enjoyed bird-spotting in the Byes. We often celebrate festivals such as Chinese New Year and Burns Night, so I've sampled Chinese food and haggis at Guides.”

District Commissioner Grace Essex said: “We're currently short of volunteers and would welcome new ones. There's the opportunity to be a unit helper or Guide Leader, and full training and support is given. Some young people find it very helpful for developing their leadership skills and building their CV. There are opportunities for additional training in subjects such as First Aid and Outdoor Activities. You don't have to have been a Guide in the past. I've find volunteering such fun and enjoy spending time with these wonderful young people.”

Prospective volunteers and parents and carers of girls interested in joining Guides should visit www.girlguiding.org.uk to register their details. They will then be contacted by a local representative who will provide more information.