YOUNG members of Girlguiding in Ashton-under-Lyne have found themselves in the national spotlight after helping to launch the organisation’s brand-new uniform on the BBC.
Girls from 9th Ashton Guides and 40th Ashton Brownies were invited to take part in filming after contributing to a nationwide uniform survey and co-design project in 2024.
The Guides, aged 10 to 14, and Brownies, aged seven to 10, appeared alongside leaders from across the UK in footage broadcast throughout the day on BBC News, as well as in a special Newsround feature on iPlayer.
Filming took place at Albion United Reformed Church on Stamford Street East, thanks to Gillian Lewis, Brown Owl at 9th Ashton Brownies and Albion Church Secretary, who offered the venue as the backdrop for the launch.
The church is home to the weekly meetings of 9th Ashton Guides, as well as Rainbows, Brownies and Rangers, while 40th Ashton Brownies meet at Holden Clough Community Primary School.
The girls who spoke on camera had all taken part in the uniform survey and co-design process last year, helping to shape the new range alongside more than 55,000 other Girlguiding members from across the UK.
They shared their thoughts on everything from the uniform itself to the accessories and were delighted to see many of their ideas reflected in the final designs.
And members said they are looking forward to wearing the new uniform once they outgrow their current one, with the experience of appearing on national television becoming a memory they will treasure for years to come.
To mark the launch, each girl received a special commemorative badge and took part in an up-cycling activity by transforming old uniform pieces into colourful hair scrunchies.
They also enjoyed exploring historic uniforms brought out from the archives, with some discovering styles that may have once been worn by their own mums or grandmothers.
Girlguiding supports girls and young women aged four to 18 through its Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger sections, helping members build confidence, learn new skills and make lifelong friendships.
Anyone interested in joining or volunteering can find out more by visiting: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/.
The feature can be watched here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cjejwj2g9pwo.