A Brownie leader has said she hopes her MBE award will send out a message to other volunteers to show them what they do really counts.

Helen Thomson, 62, from Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, was named on the New Year Honours list for her services to the Brownies in Scotland.

She has been a Brownie guide for around 45 years and has been a Brownie from the age of seven.

The mother-of-three said: "I'm completely overwhelmed, this was not expected at all.

"To think that I was even nominated is unbelievable and to know that other guides were writing letters of support for me, well, I just find it truly unbelievable.

"Since finding out the news I've just been having a ball.

"I hope my award will act as a message to every volunteer in every corner of the country to show them that what they're doing really matters."

Mrs Thomson added: "There is huge importance in youth organisations like the Brownies.

"It brings out the best in young people and brings out community spirit and a caring attitude, and it is done in a fun way."

The retired primary school teacher said she is "very excited" at the thought of meeting the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee.

She said: "I've only ever seen the royals from afar, so this will be a real honour."