NEARLY 50 years of dedicated service were rewarded at a surprise party for a Brentford Guide leader.

Diane Attewell, 65 of Whitestile Road, retired from the 3rd Brentford Guide Company in March and was given a farewell to remember.The party, called "This Is Your Guiding Life", was held at St Paul's Church and was attended by nearly 100 ex guides, friends ans family members.

Mrs Attewell, who took over the unit in 1963 at the age of 18, has now stepped down to enjoy her retirement.

Division commissioner Kay Foster said: "Diane has taken to girls to camp each symmer since 1964 and many said it was the highlight of their year. Thanks to her husband Ken, Diane's guiding continued even when her children Joanne, Robert and Julie were babies and they were all taken to camp at a very young age so the girls didn't miss out."

Among the surprises were fellow Brownie leader from the 1950's Daisy Joslin as well as Guides from all the decades who expressed their gratitude for everything they learnt from her."

As well as taking care of the annual trips, Mrs Attewell has also been involved in trips to Switzerland, Austria and France.

The party was not the end of the celebration, on March 25 the current Guides organised a farewell meal and presented her with gifts.