KEEN runner Marie Caldwell was well and truly stopped in her tracks when she was chosen as the Bury Woman of the Year 2001.

Moments after learning she had won the award at yesterday's Bury Woman of the Year luncheon, Mrs Caldwell (64) said: "I can't believe it. I'm trying to keep calm and dignified. There were so many wonderful people who do more than me."

The mother-of-four, who lives on Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, is a record-breaking long-distance runner who uses her love of running to raise thousands of pounds for charity and encourages everyone, particularly the elderly, to keep fit.

Mrs Caldwell said: "I'm lucky to be healthy and I try to put that to good use."