A FORMER deputy head of Parrenthorn High School in Prestwich has been rewarded for her charity and community work with place on the New Year's honours list.

Mrs Maureen Cooper, of Norden, retired ten years ago and receives an MBE.

The former Bury Convent pupil is a member of the Lowes Park Golf Club, Bury. She has two children and three grandchildren.

Mrs Cooper has worked for the Rochdale childrens' charity Rochdale Childer for the last 32 years, taking over from the group's former chairman Sir Cyril Smith in 1974, when he became an MP for the town.

She has supported numerous other charities, being heavily involved in charity work as a teacher at Parrenthorn.

Mrs Cooper said: "I was delighted because it really is a tribute to the work put in by the committee of Rochdale Childer and a great honour."