A ‘DILIGENT’ Appleton Brownie has been recognised with the ‘ultimate achievement’ and has earned the highest badge possible.

Isla Boyle, a member of the 7th Appleton Hill Cliffe Brownies, received a Brownie Gold Award.

The award is the highest in the programme and this was the first time it had been given out from the group.

Jo Andrews, district commissioner for the Appleton district, presented the award to Isla.

Isla said: ""I am really happy to have achieved my Gold Award.

"I enjoyed working towards my badges and my favourite was the painting badge.

"I loved being at 7th Appleton Brownies and hope to start Guides soon."

On the same evening, Jo also presented three silver awards and two bronze ones.

The new Brownie programme was introduced in 2018 and brought badges up to date with a variety of themes.

During their time in the programme, the girls work their way through the themes and there are also interest badges to earn at home - such as baking, ‘my rights’, aviation and languages.

There are six theme award badges to be earned in total and Isla is the group’s first Brownie to achieve them all.

Sarah Gibbons, leader of the 7th Hill Cliffe Brownies, said: “Isla has worked very diligently and enthusiastically on all of the necessary badges at home and during our weekly meetings.

“We are so proud of our Brownies and the dedication which has gone into achieving these awards.”

The programme was able to continue throughout the pandemic, sessions were able to carry on via Zoom.