A SANBACH brownie leader celebrated her 60th birthday in style – by taking to the water for the first time in her life.

Brown Owl, Carol Holland, is disabled, and was aided during a kayaking trip by professionals at the Astbury Water Sports centre near Congleton.

Carol was given a 40-year service to guiding award by district commissioner for Sandbach, Shona Tolmie, and set out for an evening’s paddle with 17 of her brownies.

Carol has served in the Guide movement as a Brownie, Guide and Ranger, ending up as Brown Owl with 3rd Sandbach Brownies.

Being in a wheelchair all of her life has never stopped Carol from enjoying adventurous pursuits - from camping to backpack holidaying.