The first Brownie unit in Barleythorpe is now up-and-running thanks to one woman's unstinting determination - and the support of the local community.

Nichola Resoli worked tirelessly for nine months to fund and publicise the formation of the brand new unit.

Now seven weeks in, 20 girls from nine different schools gather at the Voluntary Action Community Hub, in Oakham, for the weekly unit meetings.

Nichola told Oakham Nub News: "When I moved back to the area, Barleythorpe had grown massively and I came up with the idea of starting a Brownie unit. It's wonderful to see it come to fruition.

"It was nine months in the making. We started with literally nothing, but thanks to the support of community groups, such as the masons and parish council, as well as individuals it is now a reality."

The formation of the new unit has been a genuine labour of love for Nichola. She dedicated many hours, including manning a stall at Oakham's late night shopping events, spreading the word about both starting the Barleythorpe unit and Girlguiding in general.

"I have always been in Girlguiding. I started at the youngest level as a Rainbow and moved through the organisation and have now been a leader for five years. It's a fantastic youth movement," she says.

And on Wednesday (April 3) 14 girls from 1st Barleythorpe Brownies will make their Brownie Promise - a commitment to do their best to be an active citizen of the community and wider world, to help others and to develop her spiritual side - at a special ceremony being held at Oakham Castle.

Family, friends and representatives from the organisations which have supported the unit's launch will all be present, as will guest of honour Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.

Dr Furness told Oakham Nub News: "Being a Brownie is all about making friends, learning about yourself and your community. Brownies have fun and help others. I am so delighted that the 1st Barleythorpe Brownies has been set up.

"It has been an incredible labour of love on the part of Nichola Resoli who has formed this group which has now been in existence for seven weeks.

"Having a Brownie pack is a real marker of a community. It is therefore especially pleasing that Barleythorpe, which has grown enormously in the last few years, has its very own Brownie pack.

"Well done to all Barleythorpe Brownies and thanks to Nichola."

Nichola says both she and the girls in the unit are 'very excited' about the ceremony.

"I have received such amazing support I wanted an opportunity to thank everyone who helped an idea become a reality - and the Promise ceremony will enable me to do that publically," she adds.

In the weeks leading up to making their Promise the girls have been decorating and planting 'Random Act of Kindness' pots.

"We've been talking about extending kindness and thankfulness beyond our family and friends. Each girl has made two of the plant pots each - one to give to someone who might not expect it such as a teacher or club leader and another I have been distributing to organisations who make a difference in the community such as Oakham fire and ambulance stations."

Shoppers can support 1st Barleythorpe Brownies through the Tesco Bags of Help token initiative at the Oakham store.

1st Barleythorpe Brownies meets on a Wednesday during term time at the Voluntary Action Community Hub, Oakham, from 6pm to 7.30pm. To register to join the unit visit www.girlguiding.org.uk.

Photo of Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland courtesy of Ellie Dean