After an anxious wait, two leaders from Girlguiding Launceston have successfully complete their D1 minibus driving licence.

Emma Boucher and Beth Martin both gained their certificates after intensive training for a couple of days with MT Training Services.

It started when Tesco offered Girlguiding Launceston the chance to apply for funding, to be voted for by customers with tokens. They were awarded the grant which meant that things could start moving.

A spokesperson said: “Before applying for a D1 section to be added to a driving licence, a medical has to be undertaken so a provisional licence can be granted. This all takes time to organise - especially as both Emma and Beth work full time and are involved in running the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides at Tregadillett.

“Then, everyone was hit with lock-downs! This put everything on hold for a very long time. Once things started to get back to normal, things didn’t improve immediately! It was difficult to get to see a doctor face to face for non-urgent appointments, a medical for a driving licence was deemed as non-urgent or course! Once that was finally done, there were problems with backlogs at the DVLA for driving licences! Then the driving instructors were also trying to catch up with lessons too. So everything seems to have been an uphill struggle.

“Eventually over the past few weeks, both Emma and Beth got to do their training days followed by their driving tests. This now means that they will be able to use their new skills when taking the many girls involved in Girlguiding locally, away for residential or day trips.

“Many thanks to ‘Tesco Community Grants - Groundwork’ and to ‘MT Training Services’ for their help to allow Girlguiding Launceston to achieve this. A huge congratulations and well done to both Emma and Beth.”