A FOUNDER member of a local bible club has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List.

The accolade recognises Mrs Nancy Baber's services to the Prestwich Crusaders which holds non-denominational bible classes at Bridge Methodist Church in Radcliffe.

Mrs Baber, who lives on Radcliffe New Road, Whitefield, said: "I really do feel that there are far more people more deserving of the award.

"I was going to tick the 'no' box, when I heard that I had been nominated but my friends and members of the group said I should tick the 'yes' box to say that I wanted and would accept the award."

The organisation was formed 50 years ago in Prestwich although it has now moved to Radcliffe. The club has held bible classes for those aged from four to 18 ever since. Today it attracts around 50 to 60 pupils a week.

Classes were first held in houses before moving to schools and finally to the Radcliffe Church, of which Mrs Baber has been a long term member. Classes have been held at the church for about the past ten years.

At the age of 77, the mother of one still maintains a keen interest in the Prestwich Crusaders and still leads classes.

She laughed: "I'll have to buy a new outfit now.

"But seriously, I have loved and enjoyed the work I have done and because of that I don't feel I deserve the award."