AN 'outstanding' children’s worker says news she has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honour's list 'still hasn't sunk in'.

Pauline Geraghty, 51, from the Sunnyhurst area of Darwen, has been recognised for her service to young people, having spent 30 years as a teacher, social worker, and now programme manager for The Children’s Society.

For the past 11 years, she has developed the Lancashire Children’s Rights Project, working across the county with the police and councils to help youngsters who have been sexually exploited, ensuring care is at the correct standards, and providing an independant advice service for people aged up to 24.

Pauline was nominated for the award by her colleagues, who are based in Preston.

She said: “When I got the letter, I had to read it three or four times because it didn’t register.

"Then I cried. I still don’t think it’s properly sunk in yet.

“It’s a fantastic honour, but I feel a bit of a fraud though, because I just love the job, it’s a real passion of mine.

“I also work alongside a lot of people who do an excellent job, so this award is for those people too.”

She added: “Some youngsters we work with start with no confidence to tell people if they are not okay.

"But we work with them to sort out their problems, encourage them to take up activities and become part of the wider community, and a lot become very able, confident young people.

“It is very rewarding for us to see that development.”

Pauline now plans to take a step back from her work with The Children’s Society and spend time with her newly-retired husband, but says she will “still be very busy” developing ideas for new areas of support for children across the county.

Rob Jackson, assistant director of The Children’s Society, said: “Pauline represents what someone working with children should be: caring, passionate, a strong advocate and calm.

“She has a real gift for making things happen, but in a clam and undemonstrative way, always ready to praise others and not herself.

“Pauline is inspiring to young people and to colleagues. She is an outstanding practitioner and leader. She works tirelessly and selflessly.

"She will always go the extra mile to give time and attention to children and young people who need help.”