A FORMER Guide leader was reminded of some amazing coincidences when she saw her picture in our paper.

Pat Kempton, 72, of Longland Way, High Wycombe, was delighted to come across a 1972 snap of her old Brownie and Guides pack in our February 20 edition of Midweek.

The picture brought to mind the times when she came face to face with some of her old troop in the most unexpected of places.

She said: "A few years ago I pulled a hamstring at a sports centre and duly waited to be seen by a doctor. You can imagine my surprise when a Guide I once led, Nicola Widgington, came to sort me out."

Mrs Kempton also remained close with another ex-Guide, Jackie Cox.

Jackie went to live in America after leaving school, but kept in touch with Mrs Kempton through letters.

Eight years ago, Mrs Kempton and her husband Joseph travelled to Australia in celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary.

As a special treat, they flew to Los Angeles where Jackie now lives with her husband.

Mrs Kempton said: "She was marvellous and treated us to an amazing few days taking in Universal Studios, Broadway and other great attractions.

"She was always a bit of a handful in the old days, but she really has her head screwed on now."

Other girls in the picture include Janice Fuller, now a headteacher, and Valerie Haimes, now a successful pharmacist.

Mrs Kempton, who is the current secretary of of High Wycombe Trefoil Guild, added: "Guides has been very important to me my whole life. Many people don't have the time these days to lead Guides, but it's an amazing experience and I plan to remain involved for a while yet."