AN Edington woman who spent a year working for her Queen's Guide award was delighted to receive the honour at a ceremony held in the Houses of Parliament on Saturday (September 24).

Alice Pike was presented with the award in the members' dining room, where 40 Guides from across Britain were initiated as Queen's Guides and presented with the Queen’s badge by the Chief Guide, Valerie Le Vaillant OBE.

Miss Pike was one of two Guides asked to give a presentation to other Guides and parents, as she completed the award in one year – two years less than the usual time.

The 27-year-old radiographer said: “I’m really pleased I managed to finish it. I got really jealous watching other people do it so wanted to give it a go.

“It was very hard work as most people do the three elements of the award over three years, but I condensed it all into one, which meant I had to sacrifice certain things.

“I’m not a public speaker so giving a talk in front of around 100 people was very daunting but I’m glad I had the opportunity to do so.”

Miss Pike first became joined the Guide movement as a member of Bratton Brownies. She graduated to 2nd Westbury Guides and carried on guiding while at university. She is now training to become a Guide leader.

The day after the award ceremony Miss Pike and some of the other newly appointed Queen’s Guides met Prince Edward and his family at Buckingham Palace.

Her mum Elizabeth Pike said: “I was very proud, she did really well standing up there and giving a talk in front of everyone.

“It’s a huge achievement getting the award, especially in one year. It involved a lot of hard work and it took over her life.

“It’s something she has wanted to do for a long time and I’m glad she did it.”