THE festive period was extra special for one Heysham woman but she couldn't tell anyone about it until New Year's Eve.

Joyce Warrington started off 2006 by being named as an MBE in the New Year Honours List for her services to dance in Morecambe.

Joyce (pictured) started dancing when she was five, went on to open her own dance school and, though she is now retired, still gets involved in shows because she loves' it so much.

Says Joyce, of Craiglands Avenue, says: "It's wonderful news and was a great start to the year. I found out in November, but could not tell anyone. It was a very nice Christmas present.

"I have choreographed for musicals and productions all over the North West for about 40 years and, while I have now retired from teaching, I am still involved in amateur shows."

Joyce is helping with My Fair Lady to be performed by Morecambe Amateurs in June in Lancaster and admits: "I just love it too much to give it up."

Over the years Joyce says she has taught hundreds of children, many of whom have gone on to become professional dancers.

"It has given me such pleasure. I enjoyed teaching and found it very rewarding. I taught my pupils to sing and act as well as dance and we would put on more than dance displays but performances such as pantomimes.

"It is nice to be recognised for something you are passionate about."