SIDFORD Brownies welcomed new leader Nadine West to their fold at a Diwali themed evening this week.

SIDFORD Brownies welcomed new leader Nadine West to their fold at a Diwali themed evening this week.

Nadine, who is known as Snowy Owl to the Brownies, has been helping at the pack for a year and made her Guide promise to become an official leader on Tuesday.

She said: "I have two daughters, one used to be a Brownie at Sidford and is now a member of Sidmouth Guides and the other is still a Brownie.

"I have seen my daughter's grow in confidence and try many new things through Girlguiding and wanted to make sure other girls get the same experience. Knowing how short of leaders we are I decided to help.

"It is very rewarding to see the smiles on the girl's faces and I have made a lot of friends in other Leaders."

Sidford Brownie Caitlin, eight, helped plan Nadine's ceremony and the girls made paper lanterns and decorated a cake, which they lit after Nadine made her promise.

District Commissioner, Chris Chapman, said: "It is great to welcome a new member into the Sidmouth district team, especially during this special centenary year. By becoming a leader at Sidford brownies Nadine has helped to keep the pack alive and is making a difference to the lives of young girls in our area."

Sidmouth and Newton Poppleford Brownies are looking for more helpers and they would also like to open another Guide unit and Rainbow group.

For more information email sidfordbrownies@yahoo.co.uk.