A GIRL Guide volunteer has been honoured for her service and commitment after notching up 50 years with the organisation.

Maggie James, from Southwold in Bicester, was awarded a special badge to add to her impressive collection.

The 70-year-old became a Brownie as a young girl and has not looked back since.

She said: “I must be crazy. It does not feel like 50 years and sometimes I sit and think it can’t be that long. Guiding is really great. You get to meet lots of people and, as everybody says, we are just one big family. I have met leaders from all over the world and I have friends in America and Australia.”

As a Brownie and Guide throughout her childhood, Miss James went on to become a leader in her 20s with the village group Bicester Garrison in Ambrosden. Since then she has racked up a number of leader roles at various levels of the movement before switching to a volunteer position when she turned 65.

Miss James works as the ‘go to girl’ – officially titled division LQ coordinator – which means she helps match up new leaders to mentors and is also on hand as a volunteer to help groups and events throughout the Bicester Otmoor Division.

She was shocked to receive her award at a ceremony at the Jubilee House headquarters of Girlguiding Oxfordshire as it was sprung on her as a surprise.

Looking back on her time with the Guides she said: “We went on a world camp, which stands out for me. Leaders from all over came to the New Forest. We met everyone from everywhere.

“In July I helped at a county camp – though gone are my days of camping.”

Sandra Marshall, who runs the 7th Bicester Brownies, said: “I have been working closely with Maggie over the past few years in my role as mentor for new leaders.

“She is a very treasured member of our division and is willing to help anyone at any time. We appreciate all she has done and is doing.”

Miss James also volunteers at the district uniform depot, ordering and distributing books and uniforms to clubs.

Outside the Girl Guides, the pensioner has spent 19 years as a volunteer with cancer charity Marie Curie .

There are various levels for Girl Guides which now includes Rainbow groups for those age five to seven, Brownies for seven to 10 and Guides Groups for 10 to 14.

The division is always looking for new leaders. See girlguiding.org.uk/get_involved