Young girls Rainbows are facing the end of their popular group.

Elaine MacGreggor, who was a Guides leader for more than 46 years, is due to start a well-deserved retirement but has not yet found a replacement.

The group, which meets every week at Hampton Methodist Church hall, in Percy Road, has been appealing for someone to step forward.

Mrs MacGreggor, 66, said: “Strictly speaking I should have retired last year.

“[I stayed on] really to keep the unit going. I couldn’t take the unit as an actual Rainbows leader, I had to carry on as an assistant and my daughter is the actual leader.”

Mrs MacGreggor daughter Fiona, however, will also step down due to other commitments.

Mrs MacGreggor added: “We’ve got about 12 girls at the moment but have got a waiting list of 20 - it would be a shame to let them down.”

The Rainbows unit meet once a week during term time.

The girls’ environment-concerned activities include seed planting and making bird feeders.

Mrs MacGreggor said: “We have games every week. Rainbows roundabouts are based on four sections - look, learn, laugh and love - and they get badges when they complete a section.”

With a lifetime of experience, Mrs MacGreggor had some recommendations for the new leader.

She said: “She’s got to get on with children at that age. Some find it difficult to engage with that age range, and she needs a sense of humour.

“I’ve really enjoyed my guiding years, the five-year-olds are very shy at first, but by the time they get to seven and go to Brownies they gain confidence and can cope with new activities.”

Anyone interested in the role should email Sarah Reed on tonyreed@blueyonder.co.uk.