A group of fashion students have designed a "fresh, young and versatile" new uniform for the Girl Guides as the organisation continues to be brought up to date.

The new range means members will have a choice of tops to wear with trousers, leggings, skirts, jeans and shorts as well as a smarter uniform dress and skirt.

The practical items - in the movement's traditional blue - feature splashes of red on sleeves and collars after the five young designers spent a year consulting Guides on what they wanted from the outfits.

Girlguiding, which this year launched a body ­confidence badge, said it commissioned Arts ­University Bournemouth (AUB) with the task as it is committed to promoting self-confidence through fashion.

Fashion commentator Caryn Franklin said: "Good design and fashion craft that supports the diverse body and beauty types of young women today is paramount."

Anne Chaisty, fashion course leader at AUB, said the opportunity was a "career-defining project for the five students".

"Knowing these designs will be worn with confidence by thousands of Guides across the UK is a huge thrill and a massive honour, not only for the designers but also for our university," she said.

Chief Guide Gill Slocombe said: "We are thrilled with the designs - they're fresh, young and versatile.

"I am delighted we selected Arts University Bournemouth as they are clearly committed to ensuring fashion embraces diversity."