The first Brownie unit to be formed in Barleythorpe has held its inaugural Promise Ceremony for 14 of the founding girl members at Oakham Castle.

Family, friends and representatives from the organisations which have supported the unit's launch were all present on Wednesday evening to witness the special occasion.

Civic dignitaries were also in attendance - Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness, High Sheriff of Rutland Susan Jarron, Chairman of Rutland County Council Cllr Kenneth Bool, Chairman of Barleythorpe Parish Council Chris Marsland - along with Leicestershire Girlguiding Commissioner Rachel Webb-Jenkins.

Nichola Resoli worked tirelessly for nine months to fund and publicise the formation of the brand new 1st Barleythorpe Brownies.

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.

At the Brownie Promise Ceremony - where girls commit to do their best to be an active citizen of the community and wider world, to help others and to develop her spiritual side - Nichola told the gathering: "Guiding helps us to remember to serve our community.

"However, without the support of organisations and individuals it would have been very difficult to set up our unit.

"We have received grants from the St Mary's Masonic Lodge in Melton Mowbray - which bought our flag - the parish council and Tesco Oakham, who have bought our equipment, Howdens Joinery, Tim Norton Ltd and Evergreen Ltd who have given us money to have our own unit badge.

"Also the Trefoil Guild has given us some of the badge books the girls will receive.

"I want to say a sincere thank you to you all.

"We have 20 registered children and four leaders, who now have the books they need, the pens and scissors - even the hammers - all of which help to make a dynamic guiding programme.

"Without your initial contributions it would have taken many months of fundraising for the girls to have what they need.

"To provide these things, for this many people, from the outset, I am so grateful - the girls have a wonderful time and it has given me the ability to focus on them and their experiences."

Nichola went on to thank her family for their support and encouragement.

Adding: "Lastly I would like to publically thank our leaders, for the commitment, enthusiasm and care they have shown right from the moment they registered their interest. These ladies help to make the activities happen and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found such lovely people who put our girls first and have embraced Guiding."

During the evening Dr Sarah Furness presented each girl with their new unit badge, Rachel Webb-Jenkins pinned on the girls' Promise badge, Cllr Kenneth Bool presented each girl with a goodie bag containing a camp blanket and badge record book, Coun Chris Marsland presented the sixer and seconder badges and Susan Jarron joined Rachel Webb-Jenkins as a new leader also made their Girlguiding Promise.

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.