SKITTLES, sleepovers and sandcastle competitions are just some of the many activities on offer to girls across West Somerset through the district's girlguiding movement.

In fact, the message for anyone who thinks guides, brownies and rainbows is boring and old-fashioned, is to think again - especially when the people in charge are all under the age of 40!

The district has three new commissioners who are all aged between 28 and 39 - Victoria Hatch (centre) is the division commissioner and works with Minehead Brownies, Elisa Day (left) heads up the 1st Watchet Brownies and Kim Lewington (right) is based with Alcombe Brownies.

"We want to show people that guiding is young and that we have lots of up-to-date things to offer girls as we are aware that many people still think it's old-fashioned.

"It's not - there's lots of fun activities, like sleepovers, barn dances, holiday camps, day trips, treasure hunts and boating," Elisa said.

Then there are the more traditional elements, such as working towards a wide variety of badges, including cooking and crafts.

In all, there are 13 units in the local division, including three rainbow units in Watchet, Williton and Minehead which take girls from the age of five and eight brownie packs in Watchet, Williton, Washford, Carhampton, Dulverton, Alcombe and Minehead, all of which take girls from the age of seven.

There are two guide units in Watchet and Minehead for older girls from the age of ten.

Elisa added: "We are always happy to welcome new girls into the movement and also welcome any adults interested in joining.

"We are currently in need of adult volunteers for rainbows, brownies and guides."

Photo: Steve Guscott