A KEIGHLEY Girlguiding stalwart has been honoured for her voluntary service to the movement.

Kay Bolton attended a Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition of her work.

She has been involved with Girlguiding for more than 50 years.

Kay started as a Brownie, aged seven, at Ingrow.

She went on to achieve her Queen's Guide Award, and was a member of the Ingrow Scout and Guide Band – playing the tenor drum and bell lyre, and becoming drum major.

Her many highlights as a leader over the years have included taking a team of young leaders to Russia to compete in the International Space Olympics.

Kay is a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger leader with the same unit at Ingrow where she started out.

She also regularly helps at units in Oakworth, is an advisor for Keighley Brownies and serves as county commissioner for Girlguiding West Yorkshire North.

Kay says she was honoured to be invited to the garden party.

"We got to see lots of members of the royal family and enjoy some delicious food," she says.

"We had a wonderful day.

"By the end we were all absolutely soaked, dressed in our finery, but it will still be a fantastic memory!"

Reflecting on her experiences in Girlguiding, she added: "One of the favourite aspects for me is seeing the smiles on the faces of the girls – from Rainbows through to Rangers – when they achieve their goals."

A spokesperson for Girlguiding West Yorkshire North says: "In her many years as a Girlguiding member, Kay has experienced countless adventures. Her outstanding memories have included speaking to the astronauts on the international space station and going to see Trooping the Colour.

"She is still with the same unit where she started her Girlguiding journey – she has been volunteering at Ingrow now for nearly 40 years.

"It is through all her volunteering roles that she was nominated to go to the Buckingham Palace garden party, in recognition of all she has done – and continues to do – for Girlguiding.

"Our congratulations go to Kay on this wonderful honour. We couldn’t be more proud!"

Girlguiding welcomes new members – both young people and adult volunteers.

The organisation caters for girls aged from four upwards, with a wide range of activities and badges to work towards.

For further information about the movement and to register interest in joining, visit girlguiding.org.uk