A brownie leader from Radlett has just been awarded her 40 year service award from Girlguiding Hertfordshire.

Karen Clout, who started her Guiding career aged seven as a Brownie in London Colney, was presented with her award at a ceremony held in St Albans.

Radlett District Commissioner, Catherine Bilsborough, said: "Karen's involvement in Radlett Girlguiding is immense. "Over the years she has organised and taken many hundreds of local girls on Guide Camps and Brownie Pack Holidays.

"She has also been instrumental in getting many District events organised.

"Karen is an inspirational leader. She has boundless enthusiasm and fantastic ideas to keep the girls busy and active. Not only has she been a Guide leader in Radlett for 37 of her 40 years leading, she is also mentor to new leaders and an active presence at all District events.

"Karen is one of those people who inspires you to do more and to make it fun and enjoyable. Radlett is incredibly lucky to have a team of very dedicated and active Guide leaders, a number of our leaders have been with us for over 20 years and others for 5 or more years - it is exceptional to have such a wealth of experience and commitment."

Mrs Clout was also part of a team who raised funds and oversaw the building of Radlett's own Guide Hut, Woodland Lodge in Scrubbits Park Road.