
A group of local guides have completed their ambitious 100-hour litter picking pledge around the Harrogate area.
The 28th Harrogate Guides successfully completed their final hours together yesterday (Thursday) with a collective litter pick on the Stray.
Over the summer holidays, the 12 Guides, aged 11 to 13, have been working hard to give back to their local community while raising funds for their first international trip with Girlguiding to Belgium in February 2026.
The girls said they were proud of their efforts, but also “surprised” to see how quickly litter returned in areas they had cleared more than once.
They said they hope their work has made a difference over the summer - and encouraged others to take care of shared spaces.
Unit leader Jean Tennant said:
“We are so proud of the girls for completing their 100-hour pledge.
“They’ve shown great teamwork and community spirit, and it’s been lovely to see them so motivated.
“We’ve also had such kind support from local residents and visitors, which really spurred them on.”
With the litter pick now complete, the Guides are turning their attention to their next fundraising events:
- Saturday 4th October: Fundraising event at The Wesley Centre, Harrogate.
- Sunday 19th October: Cake stall at St Mark’s Church, after the 9am and 10:30am services.
- Sunday 16th November: Bag pack at Asda Harrogate.
All funds raised will help support the girls and their volunteer leaders as they prepare for their international trip, where they will explore Ghent, Bruges, and Brussels, and join a Girlguiding-wide event with units from across the North East.
Anyone wishing to support the girls’ efforts can do so via their Justgiving Page online.