A 16-year old from Harpenden had an "enlightening" experience when she travelled to Romania to help provide a free summer school for children otherwise unable to attend school.

Megan Jones is part of Harpenden Senior Section as well as a young leader with 17th Harpenden Rainbows.

The group travelled to Romania last month to support the Romanian charity FSC, which goes into rural villages and provides a free summer school for children who cannot attend school because they are forced to work, look after siblings or don't have the money. 

Megan, who will start Roundwood next year, said: "The trip was fantastic, it was very enlightening and a real eye opener. It was fun but very full on."

Megan, who has been Girlguiding since she was five, was selected out of more than 100 participants for the trip. She spent months fundraising the £1,500 she needed to be able to attend. 

Megan, who loves in Aldwickbury Crescent, added: "I was a bit sceptical about spending my year 11 holidays in a remote Romanian village but having seen the kids and the smiles I wouldn't have changed it.

"I had a fantastic time and would love to return, I met some amazing kids and people. It has made me so grateful and thankful for everything in my life and I can honestly say I will never complain about not having enough ever again. 

"I have grown so much and hope to do so again. I strongly believe that the kids impacted and changed my life more than I could ever do to them.

"There isn’t a single thing I would change and I loved it so much."