There was a surprise for leading Hethersett Girl Guide Heather Pullen when she turned up at the village Scout and Guide Headquarters.

In recognition for her hard work over the past three years, a party had been organised for the teenager by friends, family and fellow guides, rangers and leaders.

Miss Pullen, of Richard Crescent, has been working towards her Queen's Guide Award, the highest achievement within Girl Guiding UK which is completed over a two or three year period, and centrepiece at the special evening was her signed certificate from the Queen.

As part of her challenge, the 19-year-old supported the Samaritans' Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal, which put together boxes of toys and other goods for under-privileged children in Kosovo.

Her grandparents, John and Shirley Adams, collected for the cause for many years in Hethersett.

The shoebox appeal was only part of Heather's path towards the Queen's Guide Award, her other activities included serving refreshments at charity events, organising trips and taking part in various other fundraising events.

During the evening, she was also presented with badges marking her achievement.

For information on Girl Guiding UK, which has 100,000 volunteers, and it many activities visit its website at http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/home.aspx