An Essex Girlguiding volunteer has won the Your UK Parliament’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

Maxine Jones, who is a marketing retail and communications volunteer for Girlguiding Anglia region, created additional activities for the region’s Parliament Week while at the same time setting up the Phenomenal Women and Girls Challenge, exploring the women that most inspired Girlguiding members.

She said: “I am passionate in encouraging our young Girlguiding Anglia members to engage in Parliament, to use their vote and to speak out on issues they care about.”

Tracy Foster, region chief commissioner for Girlguiding Anglia, added: “Maxine inspired so many of our girls and young women to take part in parliament week, which is a great opportunity to encourage them to explore and engage in activities to develop their understanding and interest in UK parliament.”