GIRL Guides, Rangers and leaders from Eden sare on a 24-hour journey by rail to the International Guide Centre in Switzerland.

The group of 19 girls aged 12-to-18 years and seven Leaders set off from Penrith station on the first leg of their journey to one of the Guide's World Centres called Our Chalet.

Dressed in specially commissioned maroon camp polo shirts and sweat shirts with the date and venue of their International Camp embroidered on them, 15 Guides from Kirkby Stephen and Appleby and four Rangers from Penrith will return to Cumbria on Friday, August 13.

The Cumbria East District trip to the International Headquarters in Switzerland cost £13,000 and the Guides have been working hard to raise half that amount with a variety of fund-raising events.

They have also been preparing for the Swiss Alps by walking up High Cup Nick.

Sue Granger of Appleby Guides said: "It has been a brilliant fund-raising effort by the girls, and we are very grateful to the Guides families for all the support they have given during the fund- raising.

"Many cakes have been baked for stalls. We would like to say thank you to all who have helped. We are looking forward to the camp which will be attended by Guides from around the world."

Mrs Granger is joined by other Westmorland Guide Leaders Thelma Winder from Kirkby Stephen, Jean Truman and Jen Smith from Appleby.