30172-15TWO FRIENDS from Highworth are hoping to turn musical notes into banknotes so they can represent their country at international girl guide camps.

Alice Sirrelle and Danielle Love are two of just 12 guides who have been selected to represent the UK at camps this summer.

The problem is that the two 15-year-old Warneford School pupils have to raise the cash themselves.

Danielle needs to raise £1,600 to attend a camp in Canada, while Alice has a target of £500 to take part in a gathering in Norway.

But luckily, the pair have a secret weapon in their fundraising armoury their musical talents.

And, with the help of friends and relatives, they are planning to stage a concert later this month.

They have roped in Alice's brother Adam, 16, who sings tenor, her grandfather, Highworth piano teacher Alan Wicker, and one of his pupils, James Bladon, 14, to help out.

The concert, at Highworth Methodist Church, will also feature performances by the Hannington Wind Quintet and Warneford School choir.

But the real stars of the show will be Alice and Danielle, who will perform classical work on the piano and violin. The pair, who attend the First Highworth Rangers guide pack, have already made a start on their fundraising by busking in Swindon town centre and organising a sponsored Easter egg hunt.

Alice, who has been a guide for four years, said: "I'm already really excited about the trip. I will feel so proud to represent my country in front of guides from all over the world.

"There are a lot of talented people taking part in the concert, so it will be a great night."

Alice and Danielle were picked for the trips after attending selection camps at Lyneham, where they had to demonstrate their guiding skills through tasks like putting up tents and making log swings.

Danielle said: "I want to go on this trip so badly. It's amazing to think we will be representing all guides in the UK.

"I have met some of the guides going and they are a great bunch."

In the coming weeks, the friends will be organising more events, including jumble sales, discos and sponsored activities.

The concerts starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 15.

Tickets are £3 (adults) and £1 (children), and are available on the door or in advance from the Lighthouse Bookshop in High Street, Highworth.

Tamash Lal