South Tyneside girl guide 'over the moon' as fashion show raises funds to send her to World Scout European Jamboree in Poland

Girl Guide Sophie McLeod (left) with Hannah Bonarbank who is also going to Poland.

Earlier this year Hebburn schoolgirl Sophie McLeod, 15, was chosen from hundreds of young people to represent Girlguiding North East at the World Scout European Jamboree, in Poland next summer.

As part of the event Sophie will have the opportunity to spend 10 days camping in Gdańsk, Poland, from July 26 to August 6, 2020, among thousands of Scouts and Guides from 65 countries across the world.

But the teen, who attends Hebburn Comprehensive School, was tasked with raising £1,300 to fund the trip.

The catwalk during Sophie McLeod's fashion show.

As well as taking part in a sponsored run, washing cars and packing bags in the supermarket over the summer, Sophie organised a community fashion show with the help of her local unit, 1st Hebburn Girlguiding.

The event, which took place on Thursday, November 28 at St John’s Church on Canning Street has been deemed a huge success, with more than 75 people attending and raised over £700 to take Sophie to her target.

A catwalk on the night showcased outfits from high street stores which guests had the opportunity to purchase at a discounted rate, and several people went home winners with raffle and tombola prizes donated by local businesses.

“The event was a massive success, it went so much better than expected and raised enough money to pay for the rest of the trip, which is fantastic,” said Sophie’s mum, Angela McLeod.

Sophie McLeod enjoying the fashion show.

“Sophie is over the moon, she is really happy and now is just looking forward to going to Poland.”

Sophie started Rainbows when she was five-years-old, moving onto the Brownies and Guides, before becoming a Ranger earlier this year.

The money will help cover the costs of the 10-day camping trip including activities such as scavenger hunts, swimming and sailing.

Angela added: “I’m so proud of her that she has done it.

“We just want to say thank you to everyone who came on the night and who has helped raise the money, it’s all thanks to their support that she has managed to reach her target.”