GUIDING leader Becky Smith is heading on the journey of a lifetime to take part in an exciting community development project.

Becky, 27, Guiding leader with the 1st Dodleston Guides, will travel to Malawi for the Guiding Overseas Linked with Development (GOLD) scheme.

Becky, who until recently worked at Ellesmere Port Christ Church C of E Primary School but now works in Frodsham Manor House Primary School, has been selected to travel with five other Girlguiding UK members for four weeks this summer to take part in a range of projects.

Although the programme for the trip to Malawi has not been completed, the work could range from building projects to teaching young children new skills or providing basic health care lessons.

Becky, of Saltney, said: “I opened a Guide unit in Dodleston a year ago when I moved to Chester and we have grown quickly from six to 15 girls.

“I’ve loved opening a new unit and learned a lot. I want to share this on a global scale, which is why I wanted to apply to take part in GOLD.

“It is also a great way to meet other like-minded Guiding members. Guiding has made me more outgoing, motivated and really helped me stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.

“I’m really excited about travelling to Malawi and taking the skills I have learned over there and learning about their culture.”

The GOLD project has been one of the core opportunities open to Guiding UK members between the ages of 17 and 30 since its inception 21 years ago, with participants travelling as far afield as Honduras, Madagascar, Russia, South Africa and Thailand.

For further information, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.