A teenager who began volunteering with the scouts after deciding the brownies and rainbows were “too girly” is up for an award.

Emily Bannin, who is training to be a young leader at the 5th Potters Bar Scouts, in the Furzefield Centre, Mutton Lane, has been nominated for the Mitsubishi Electric Young People of the Year award (YOPEY).

The 18-year-old has worked with the Beavers for more than two years, and is now in the running to win £800 for the group.

Emily worked her way up through scouts and explorers and attended the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011.

She is currently studing for A-levels at Dame Alice Own School and was put forward by the scouting group’s leader, Francesca Gullick.

During sessions, she helps supervise 24 five to six-year-olds.

Emily, of Borough Way, Potters Bar, said: “They can be a handful and are both tiring and rewarding. Some evenings you come away with a headache but you have also seen how they have got a lot out of an activity.

“I grew up with scouting, switching from rainbows and brownies because they are a bit girly.

“I do like to encourage them and I am always afraid some of them will get discouraged and not get involved in things. I do like to see them fly on their own.”

The YOPEY is open to young people aged from ten to 25, who live, work or study in Hertfordshire.

It is sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric, Smith-Milne & Co and Orange Aplification of Borehamwood, amongst others.

The winners will be announced in autumn. To nominate someone, visit www.yopey.org. Entries close on September 30.