A teenager who spends her free time helping young girl guides has been named this year’s Young Citizen of the Year in Helston.

Aisla Maitland, 16, was honoured at last week’s Helston Annual Town Meeting when she was presented with the award by mayor Jonathan Radford-Gaby.

It was particularly in recognition of her work with the Helston guiding unit, where she is both a member and volunteer.

Aisla is currently a Ranger with the Helston Guides Senior Section Ranger unit and a young leader with Helston Rainbows and Helston Guides.

She was nominated by Helston’s district commissioner Julie Search, who said Aisla was “extremely popular” due to her “kindness and patience.” Aisla has also take on a number of extra courses, including first aid and the Baden Powell Award, and is now helping to coach others through it.

She is currently developing her leadership skills with courses through Girl Guiding, helps out at Guide camp, in the kitchen and running activities, and supports younger Guides and those with special educational needs during outings.

Aisla, who was on the original group to get funding for the town’s youth cafe, said: “I’m really shocked – I had no idea I would get it. I’ve grown up with people helping me and I’m just repaying that.

“It’s something I’m passionate about so I keep doing it.”

Mr Radford-Gaby said: “This year the competition has been very strong and it has been an incredibly hard job to finally decide who should be presented with the award.”

The award was set up by past mayor John Boase and has been continued by Mr Radford-Gaby, who said the aim of the award was to recognise a “thoroughly deserving” young person in the town. This was not necessarily someone who shone academically or who excelled in sports, but a person who could be regarded as “an all rounder” and who their peers look up to.