A DISABLED Burnley woman had a chance meeting with the Prime Minister when she travelled to London to pick up an award.

Mrs Margaret Spencer, 46, of Talbot Drive, exchanged pleasantries with Tony Blair in the House of Commons after receiving The Snowdon Award.

The Business IT student at Burnley College was thrilled to be invited to the awards ceremony and attended the event with her husband Kenneth, owner of Belvedere School of Motoring Driving School based in Burnley.

Margaret said: "It was a fantastic day and everyone was really helpful. We had a great time."

During the ceremony Margaret met students from all over the country, who had different disabilities.

Lord Snowdon gave his address to the group and after presenting his special award to Jane Campbell MBE, which was received by her sister, Sharon Campbell, he then presented Mrs Spencer and fellow students with their certificates.

It was then that Prime Minister Tony Blair appeared in the MPs' dining room and took time to chat to the award winners.

She continued: "It was really good because he made a point of having his picture taken with every award winner.

"I can't remember what I said to him, it was all over so quickly.

"He just asked me how I was and if I was enjoying myself."

After competing her studies in May, Margaret plans to apply for a job as an internet designer.

Margaret, who was diagnosed with a muscular disease, Fibromyalgia, three years ago, was browsing the Internet when she came across details of The Snowdon Award Scheme.

The scheme is headed by Lord Snowdon.

It helps disabled students with grants to enable them to complete a course of study in further or higher education.

Deciding to put herself forward, Mrs Spencer was later informed that she was to receive more than £1,000.

This money, plus an extra £300 grant from the Lancashire Education Authority, has paid for a laptop computer, which will help with her studies.