GIRLS and potential leaders are being called on to help to open new guide and brownie groups around the Northgate area of Darlington.

The numbers of people attending town centre rainbow, brownie and girl guide groups has dropped, with units based in North Lodge closing more than two years ago.

Judith Aird, Commissioner for North Lodge District Guiding, said: “I am seeking to reverse the trend. We want to be able to offer again the same opportunities for fun, friendship and the development of skills to a wide range of girls.

“There are two main thrusts to my campaign. Firstly, I am very interested in re-opening the 32nd Darlington Brownies Pack on Corporation Road.

“We feel that Guiding has a lot to offer the local community and would ideally like to recruit at least one leader from the Bangladeshi community there. We cannot offer guiding to these girls until we have secure and sufficient leadership for the pack.”

“Secondly, the only guide company in North Lodge district closed suddenly last year. We have now found the nucleus of a leadership team to re-open the unit and want to tell girls aged ten to 14 that there will be a place for them to come.”

The new unit will meet in Northgate United Reformed Church on a weekday night. For more information email girlguidingNorthLodge@gmail.com