A BLACKPOOL carer who has dedicated her life to looking after others has been recognised by the Queen with the award of an MBE.

For the past 11 years Ann Mulvey, 54, has run the Richard Peck House, an RAF convalescent home in Thomas Road, St Annes,

Ann, pictured here, originally hails from Glasgow but moved to the Harrowside, South Shore, 26 years ago where she became a carer, and she hasn't looked back since.

She said: "I worked for 15 years at the British Limbless Ex-Service Association in Lytham Road, Blackpool, before moving to Richard Peck House."

Ann and her 30 staff care for all ex-RAF personnel, whether they are recuperating after an operation or recovering from illness.

"We can look after up to 30 people at any one time and have a 'one carer to one resident' rule" said Ann.

"I think the reason I have worked here so long is because it is a very worthwhile job. I am delighted and it is lovely to get an award for a job I enjoy doing.

The real reward is all the thanks and praise we get from the 800 or so members who stay here every year, but the MBE is just icing on the cake."

As is usual with an MBE, Ann does not know who nominated her for the award. But she said she has had no shortage of people coming forward to say congratulations, including her staff: "I want to thank all of them as they all do a truly excellent job."

As for what the future holds, Ann says she is looking forward to many more years of looking after people: "I just love what I do and will continue for as long as I possibly can."

Her only hope was that she might meet Spike Milligan, who was awarded an honorary knighthood, when she collects her award at Buckingham Palace. She said: "I've been a lifelong fan of Spike, so I'll have to make sure I get a new hat - I want to look my best!"