THE woman who introduced Ring and Ride and Shopmobility to Bury is to receive an MBE.

Mrs Alison Thomason, of Springside Road, Walmersley, was awarded the honour in the New Year list.

She began her work improving services for disabled people in 1987, when she brought the highly successful Ring and Ride bus service to the town.

Six years later, she introduced Bury Shopmobility, a service now used by thousands of shoppers and visitors to Bury each year.

Mrs Thomason, who has multiple sclerosis, has since resigned from her post as chairman and was made an honorary life president of the service.

She received a letter from 10 Downing Street in early December, informing her that she had been recommended for the award.

Said Mrs Thomason: "I had to read the letter about five times. At first I thought someone was having a joke on me."

Born in Bolton, Mrs Thomason is the second in her family to be awarded an MBE. Her father, Mr Thomas Renwick received an MBE for bravery during the Second World War.

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