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10 June 2013  

A Radio Lollipop Southampton volunteer has received one of the country’s most prestigious awards for guiding.

Hannah Watts, 21, from Old Netley, Southampton, was presented with the distinguished Queen’s Guide Award for her commitment and dedication to volunteering and work in the community.

The honour, which is referred to as the ultimate accolade in guiding, is awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional service to guiding, development of personal skills and outstanding contribution to the community.

At just 18, Hannah, who is a final year student at Southampton Solent University and part-time stock management partner at John Lewis in Southampton, travelled to Lautoka, one of the poorest areas in Fiji, for a month to establish a girl guiding network and deliver leader training for adults.

On her return, she continued her work as an International Young Ambassador for Sport in Great Britain ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games and became assistant leader at 2nd Hamble Brownies, where she led the organisation of pack holidays for the 25-strong group.

In addition, Hannah joined Radio Lollipop, a volunteer-run radio station for children at Southampton General Hospital, where she spent one day a week visiting young patients and their families.

“Completing the Queen’s Guide Award has given me memories that will last a lifetime and the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful, committed and talented people and I really owe much of my personal development to them,” said Hannah, who last year received the Volunteer England Gold Award.

Michelle Main-Miller, Hannah’s district commissioner and a guider for Girl Guiding UK, said: “Hannah fully deserves this award as she gives so much back to the community and, in doing so, is helping to influence the next generation.

“Her passion is infectious and her dedication admirable. I feel proud to know her and for her to be part of my team.”

Hannah was presented with the award by Anne Falconer, county commissioner of Girlguiding Hampshire West, at the Abbey Hall in Netley Abbey, where her belly dancing group – which helped raise more than £1,000 towards her trip to Fiji – performed two dances for the event’s 60 guests.