An "exceptional" girl guide leader has been recognised for her 40 years service.

Greater London West County Commissioner Christine Wicks, of Worcester Park, was bestoyed with the Laurel Award last week.

The Laurel Award, which recognises exceptional service, was presented to Christine in front of her family and 100 members of Girlguiding UK.

It was “fully deserved”, said Dorothy Slyfield MBE, President of Greater London West Guides, who went on to add “Only a very few people each year receive this award and it recognises the achievement and dedication which Christine has shown over more than 40 years as a Leader”.

Christine received the award from Joan Barclay, who had been a figure of great personal inspiration to her.

The badge was pinned on by Cynthia Beg, who had also been influential in the early years of Christine’s life in Guiding.

As County Commissioner, Christine is responsible for more than 6000 girls and Leaders throughout the boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton, as well as her own Brownie unit, 8th Worcester Park, who celebrated their leaders’ achievement with gifts at their meeting on Monday.