A NEW Girlguiding unit has opened in Kidderminster for girls aged 10 to 14.

After 20 years, the Habberley Guides branch has been relaunched to offer local 'tweens' a place to meet other girls, build their confidence and learn new skills.

Rebecca Firth, 24, who moved to Kidderminster from Surrey to launch the branch, said: "The Habberley unit closed about 20 years ago when the last leader retired. So now we have a Brownie and a Rainbow unit but nothing for older girls.

"The next nearest one is completely full and has a waiting list of over a year, so young girls that have moved up from the Brownie unit have no where to go. There's a real demand for guiding in the area."

Mum-of-two Rebecca was involved in Girlguiding as a child, and later became an assistant leader in Northampton while studying at university.

Her new unit in Habberley can accommodate up to 24 girls for weekly sessions during termtime which include a range of games and activities tailored to the girls' interests.

"The girls decide what we do based on whatever interests them," said Rebecca. "At the moment we're learning about food and drink. Last week we had a spaced-theme day where we went on a pretend trip to the moon to learn about the solar system. Whatever they want, we deliver."

For more information visit girlguiding.org.uk.