GUIDING has come a long way since it began more than 90 years ago - but has maintained a traditional philosophy at its heart since entering the 21st century.

That is the view of Kidderminster Guides stalwart Cathy Walling - who is better equipped than most to know what she is talking about, having spent the vast majority of her 51 years involved with the movement.

Cathy, a geography teacher at Hagley RC High School, has recently finished a mammoth seven-year stint as division commissioner for Guiding across the whole of Kidderminster, which involved co-ordinating about 700 girls and between 70 and 80 adult leaders.

"As an organisation we have been going for 90 years and we are very proud of ourselves," she said. "We will keep the basics the same while moving with the times as the lives of young people change."

Cathy has taken up a role at county level which involves passing on her experience to other commissioners, meaning a "slight change of emphasis" in her involvement in organising activities.

She has been part of the Guiding movement in Kidderminster since moving to the town 20 years ago, having been initiated to the Brownies aged eight in her native Merseyside - and has found the same "spirit" in existence all over the country.

Having worked as a teacher in Sheffield and Oldham, Cathy's job brought her to Kidderminster where Guiding was already "very strong". Since arriving, she has also maintained an association with a Guide unit in Chaddesley Corbett.

"I like to think I've done my bit. We have a very good, friendly relationship with the Scouts in the area and we work together for events such as the St George's Day Parade.

"We give girls a degree of independence, but in a very safe and caring environment. We give them the opportunity to spread their wings and develop their talents."

The movement includes the Rainbows, for girls aged between five and seven, the Brownies for seven to 10 year olds and the Guides, which caters for girls up to 14.

But one of the sadder trends of Cathy's involvement with the movement has been the forced closure of some Rainbow units in Kidderminster due to a shortage of adult leaders.

"It would be lovely to hear from people who have had fun in the Brownies or the Guides and would be prepared to give some of their time - they would be very welcome.

"Guiding isn't deadly serious - it's all about having fun," said Cathy, who is also a keen hill walker and traveller, having visited places such as Iceland, Australia and Canada in recent years.

And apart from returning to the land down under, she has one overriding ambition: "To continue in a role in Guiding - wherever I can be useful."