A DEVOTED volunteer who has dedicated the past 40 years of her life to a Bury school has been formally awarded the British Empire Medal.

Pamela Simpson, aged 75, worked as a secretary at Old Hall Primary in Springside View for 20 years.

But since retiring in 1994, she has become a much-loved volunteer at the school, acting as a reader helper, accompanying pupils on trips, as well as designing and creating costumes for school productions.

Last month, Mrs Simpson, of Westgate Avenue, was officially presented with her medal at Manchester Town Hall by the Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Warren Smith.

She received the award in recognition of her services to the community.

Lord Lieutenant Smith said: “Pamela Simpson has had a wonderful career as a school secretary and has given an immense amount of time to operatic and amateur societies in providing complex costumes that have saved these organisations considerable amounts of money and allowing the people of Bury to have the best theatre available.”

Across Greater Manchester, seven people were recognised as recipients of the British Empire Medal.

He added: “I congratulate Pamela and the other six recipients and hope that they inspire others to follow their example.

“They are all amazing people who have gone the extra mile and have made a difference to the lives of people around the county.”

Mrs Simpson, who was born in Bromley and moved to Bury 43 years ago, is particularly passionate about her role as a volunteer reader helper which sees her work one-to-one with pupils twice a week.

She said: “I have been associated with Old Hall Primary for 40 years. I worked as a secretary there for 20 years and then as a volunteer for the past 20 years. I listen to the children read, do their costumes for plays and go on trips with them.”