A guide leader has been awarded the coveted Queen's Guide Award.

Charlotte Holmes, of Putney, was presented with the award by Baroness Angela Smith and chief guide Gill Slocombe at a  ceremony held at the House of Lords on Thursday 25 October.

Awardees must lead in areas including developing a personal skill, working with community action projects and overseeing outdoor pursuits.

Ms Holmes leads the 2nd Central Kensington Guides, and has competed in the Harrogate national brass band finals and opened a new Rainbow Unit.

She said: "Completing my Queen's Guide Award has made me realise what I can achieve when I push myself.

"Opening a Rainbow group and then having a first birthday party was amazing. The girls love and appreciate everything we do with them and without the unit they may have never got into guiding."

Gill Slocombe, chief guide, said: "Over the years the Queen’s Guide Award has given many young women an amazing sense of empowerment and confidence.

"I hope they will serve as an inspiration to many more young women all over the country who are thinking about getting involved in guiding."