A BROWNIE leader from the region has become the National Brownie Advisor for Girlguiding UK.

Sue Waller runs the 30th York pack, and has run Brownie packs in Staffordshire, London, Oxford and Ripon, North Yorkshire.

She has been involved with the Brownies since joining the organisation aged seven.

Her new role as part of the Guiding Development Committee gives her responsiblity for providing a suitable national programme for Brownies, representing the needs of the Brownies and advising and supporting Brownie Guiders nationwide.

Ms Waller, who is head of support services at York St John College, takes on the role today.

She said: "Once I had joined the Brownies, I just never left.

"I really enjoyed my time in the Brownies and I felt that I should give something back to the association.

"I am delighted to be taking on this role, which allows me to become more involved in the progression of the Brownie programme, leading changes and having an impact on all Brownies across the UK."

Her first task will be to look at the support and training needs of Brownie Guiders.

Pat Tiley, who heads Girlguiding UK's Guiding Development Committee, said: "Sue was on the team of trainers for the New Brownie Adventure, launched in September.

"She did a fantastic job and really showed how much she is in tune with Brownies of today."