A DEDICATED guide leader has retired after serving the Runcorn community for 34 years.

Enthusiastic Chris Stanley, aged 65, of Boston Avenue, loves camping and handicrafts and shared her skills with generations of girls.

She was a guider with the 7th Runcorn St Edward’s unit.

Retired divisional commissioner Glenys Christie, from Weston, said: “Chris was always willing to take on any craft work no matter how many children. She would train huge numbers.

“She was also an excellent camper and taught girls all their outdoor skills and pioneering, making bridges and using ropes.

“Chris was invaluable to us and to the whole county. She was always very calm and had a lot of patience.

“She was absolutely wonderful working at our county camp site in Pettypool. She has inspired hundreds of children.”

Chris and her husband, Glynn, have a daughter, Caroline and son, Kevin.

Caroline said: “I can’t imagine a time when mum will not be involved in guiding. It is such a huge part of her life.

“She is definitely at her happiest when in the woods leading a campfire.

“Also, she has no idea how to say ‘no’ so she is always agreeing to help with the next project.”

Chris was delighted to presented with a photographic collage of her years in guiding by her nine-year-old granddaughter, Erin, at at the Cheshire Forest Guides’ Pettypool campsite.

One of her proudest moments was enrolling Erin at a camp fire whilst on a pack holiday in Queen Charlott’s Wood in 2012.