RAINBOW, brownie and guide organisers are urgently appealing for volunteers after youngsters' waiting lists in Whitchurch and Overton are filling up.

In Whitchurch there are two brownie units and one rainbow unit but no guide unit, which means when a brownie reaches 10 years of age she has to leave and the nearest guide unit in Overton is full.

Organisers are appealing for four volunteers to run a new rainbow unit in Whitchurch and a unit in Overton, two adults to run a new brownie unit in both areas and another four volunteers to run a guide unit in both areas.

Marion Watson, the district commissioner, said: "For the young ones these clubs make them more outgoing and build their self-confidence through games and activities."

"For guides it gives them team building, leadership and management skills, which will help their work."

Rainbows, brownies and guides units give girls the opportunity to do activities they might not do at school, such as cooking, crafts and outdoor activities like camping. Rainbow units are for girl's aged between five and seven, brownie units for girls aged between seven and 10 and guide units are for girls aged between 10 and 14.

Marion said: "It is very important and brings them up in a positive way, helps them to be good citizens, care for the environment and understand the world around them."

"It gives children purpose and keeps them off the streets." Volunteers have the chance to make a valuable contribution to the lives of girls and young women and bring out the best in them.

The skills and training gained by being a leader can assist other work commitments. Marion said that mothers found being a volunteer leader was a good way of gaining the confidence to go back to work and even tackle more challenging positions in the workplace.

Any woman aged between 18 and 65 can become a leader provided they are willing to undertake leadership and first aid training.