FOR 30 years Jean Rumbold has successfully run a Hampshire Brownie Pack. But now she has been told that she will have to give it all up because she is too old.

Jean, who will be 65 next year, has become the victim of ageism at a time when the Girlguiding movement is desperately short of leaders and volunteers.

The policy to retire leaders at the age of 65 has been branded ridiculous' by Age Concern and the Scouts, who have lifted age restrictions, are welcoming her with open arms with the offer of a new position in their organisation.

Jean, leader of the 6th Hedge End Brownies, described the policy to retire leaders at 65 as "absolutely crazy."

The Guider for 32 years, said: "I will be 65 next March and that is when I am made to retire from Guiding. You are OK at 64 years and 11 months but then you reach 65 and you are given the chop.

"All this talk of age discrimination seems to have passed the Guiding movement by. I feel so incensed about this issue that I would take it to the European Court if I could afford it."

Jean, who lives in St Denys, Southampton, says: "I have had so many happy times with my Brownies over the years and I would like to carry on for many more. The Guiding movement is always crying out for new people to help with units as there are units closing down all over for a lack of help."

Jean has been assured that the Hedge End unit will not close but will be run as a district unit until new leaders can be found. She will be sad to bid farewell to the 32-strong pack, which over the years has included her own children and grandchildren.

In a statement Angela Milln, County Commission-er for Hampshire West, thanked Jean for her contribution to Guiding over the past 30 years but said the policy of retiring leaders at 65 was a UK-wide policy.

She added Jean could still volunteer as a unit helper, mentor or fundraiser.

"We do not dispute that some people would still be able to carry out the role of unit Leader beyond the age of 65.

"However our concern is for the whole organisation across the UK. Having a policy removes the prospect of difficult decisions having to be made at local level and allows volunteer leaders to be able to prepare to fulfil other roles within guiding."

Chris Perry, chairman of Age Concern Hampshire said: "How ridiculous it is. People's ability to do the job should not be dependant on their age, it should be on each individual's ability to do the job, particularly if they have years of experience and when the organisation is crying out for leaders. It makes no sense."