A VOLUNTEER for the Blackburn Rovers Disabled Supporters' Club was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's honours list.

Christine Peacock, the club's disability liaison officer, said she was "speechless" after receiving the recognition for more than a decade of work with the club.

The honour is for the voluntary and charity work she has carried out in the community since her late husband Eddie became severely disabled following a stroke in 1989.

She said: "I am amazed that someone should consider anything I have done is worthy of such an honour but I am very pleased.

It is a lovely thing that people think I deserve it."

Mrs Peacock has supported Rovers all of her life since growing up in Darwen.

She said she began to understand the importance of football for disabled fans after Eddie's stroke.

She said: "When something like that happens you think you will never be able to do normal things again but going to football matches really helps and was a great thrill for Eddie."

She was asked to join the disabled supporters' club in 1993 and is acting chairman having previously filled the rolls of treasurer and vice chairman.

Mrs Peacock, of Thornton Cleveleys, said: "I've tried to alter other people's perceptions of disability because of the experiences I have had in my own family."