SOMEWHERE at the end of the rainbow, there must be a heart of gold willing to help out little girls like Abbey O'Rouke.

Abbey is lucky enough to have a leader for her Rainbow group, but there are hundreds of little Rainbows, Brownies and Girl Guides who don't enjoy such luxury.

Many Fylde youngsters are waiting in the wings to join Guide groups for all ages because no-one has volunteered to lead them.

It may seem hard to believe that Fylde folk are reluctant to spend just a few hours a week looking after the little rays of sunshine, but this is the sad case in Blackpool.

Joan Smith, public relations officer for Blackpool South Guides, said: "We are really desperate for guiders in this division.

"We have children waiting for us to open and we don't want to disappoint them."

Going on camping trips, performing plays and making new friends are just some of the things that form part of guide groups and, indeed, childhood.

It would be a shame if these girls, some as young as five, were to miss out on all this because some adults couldn't spare one night a week for a couple of hours.

Mrs Smith stresses that no experience is needed and training will be given. Any age is welcome.

Whether you are interested in leading a play group for the Rainbows or taking Brownies and Guides on camping holidays, this may be the job for you.

They say that every cloud has a silver lining. Let's just hope for little girls like Abbey this is true.

Anyone who is interested can contact Mrs Smith on 345266.

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