GUIDES from Northwich have been selected to represent the north west in four international projects next year.

The Guides, from Witton Senior Section, took part in two weekends of demanding testing and observation before being chosen to make a difference across the world.

Emma Pritchard, 13, from Kingsmead, will travel to Iceland, Jessica Leigh, 14, from Wincham, will go to Armenia, Chloe van Embden, 16, from Cuddington, will travel to Uganda and Mia Tasker-Hall, 14, from Kingsmead, will represent Cheshire County Guides in their 2016 trip to Finland.

While travelling the girls will teach local Guides and their communities about British life and culture, will learn from their hosts about the country, and will help with projects to enhance their host community.

Rachael Aldus, County Commissioner for Cheshire and Guide leader at 1st Rudheath, said: "These are wonderful opportunities for girls to see some of the world and learn about different cultures, to help and make a difference to the communities they visit.

"It is a fantastic start to my role as County Commissioner and it has delighted all their leaders.

"The girls are to be congratulated on making it through rigorous selection.

"It is rare for three girls from one section to achieve regional representation and to have four girls Guiding internationally is just fabulous.

"As the trips are financed by the girls, we look forward to supporting their fundraising efforts and learning all about the travels on their return."

The international opportunities are open to all guides aged 14 and above in the June of the year of travel through their Guide Leaders, with the next selection weekends in 2016.

For more information on Guide groups, joining, volunteer vacancies and all aspects of Girl Guiding visit girlguiding.org.uk