A FOSTER parent hailed as a "shining example" of someone who offers so much to her community has been crowned Bury Woman of the Year.

Emma Rowbotham won the carer category as well as the overall Woman of the Year accolade at the awards, organised by Bury Hospice.

At the age of 19, Emma gave birth prematurely to her daughter Melissa who suffers with cerebral palsy. She is now 21 and uses a wheelchair, and has been constantly cared for by Emma, with the help of husband David.

Unable to have more children, about 10 years ago the couple decided to become foster parents, looking after many children over this period.

Jack has been with them since he was six and he is now 11. He left Hollins Grundy Primary School with a trophy for "the person who made most progress."

Almost three years ago, Emma fostered three-month-old baby Liam who had delayed development issues, and the couple decided to adopt him.

Emma loves fostering and still makes herself available to offer a loving environment to other children, while doing everything in her power to give daughter Melissa a good life, as she has done for the last 21 years.

According to the hospice: "Emma is a shining example of someone who, whilst not a professional carer, can and does offer so much to her local community."

Around 165 guests, including the Mayor of Bury Cllr Stella Smith, attended the ladies luncheon ceremony at the town's Bolholt Country Park Hotel where the awards were announced.

The business award was won by Carol Cadwallader, landlady of the Pack Horse Inn, Birtle.

Carol was singled out for her insistence on employing local staff to increase the chances of employment for young people. She has also played a part in Birtle's village fete.

Jill Brady, community champion at Asda Pilsworth, was selected as the winner in the volunteer category. During her time with Asda, Jill has worked with the community to support local charities, including Bury Hospice. She also works tirelessly with a young toddlers group at St Peter's Church, Bury, is a Scout leader and also assists Bury's Musical Memories group.

At the Bury Woman of the Year event, Julie Butterworth gave a talk on decluttering and guests were entertained to singing and dancing by Nicky Fox and Friends.