THREE Whitchurch school girls have gained the highest and most respected achievement possible in Girl Guiding.

Members of 1st Whitchurch Girl Guides Susannah Jackman, Lara Sagar and Katie Paterson were presented with the Baden Powell Challenge Award at Millennium Meadow at a special ceremony involving both the town’s Brownies and Guides.

The groups celebrated the achievement with a barbecue and a camp fire alongside a crowd of congratulating guests.

The certificates were presented to the girls by Mayor of Whitchurch Barry Jackman and his wife Mayoress Sandra Jackman, while their pack leader, Sarah Castle, looked on with pride.

Mrs Castle said: “It’s a tough achievement – it has taken them just over a year to complete and they’ve worked very hard.

“Since joining the Guides all of the girls have grown up to become really talented young women and they should be proud of their achievements. I’m very proud of them.”

To complete the Baden Powell Challenge Award the girls had to complete 10 challenges in five different areas including ‘celebrating diversity’ and ‘living healthy lifestyles’.