A LONG-SERVING former headteacher of the Bury Grammar School kindergarten has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List.

Diana Robinson has received the British Empire Medal in recognition of her 35 years at the school, and 25 years as headteacher.

She is the second person in her family to be honoured, after her father, the late Canon Reg Smith, former Rector of Bury, received the MBE in 1997.

Mrs Robinson, aged 64, said she was delighted, but shocked to hear of her award.

She said: "I was absolutely stunned, I just could not believe what I had opened. I thought it was a letter about income tax, I had absolutely no idea.

"I would never have expected to get anything like this. My Dad had the MBE, but I never thought anyone else in the family would also be recognised."

Mrs Robinson came to Bury when her father, who also served as vice-chairman of Bury Football Club, became Rector of Bury in 1966, The family were originally from Radcliffe, where her father was appointed vicar of St Thomas's in 1949.

She took her first post in teaching at St Peter's Primary School, and then joined Bury Grammar School as a reception teacher.

Mrs Robinson, of Whitecroft Drive, Lowercroft, was later appointed as headteacher in 1984.

During her time in charge, Mrs Robinson oversaw the building of a £2.7 million pre-school and kindergarten centre at the school, which provided additional facilities for youngsters including a rooftop playground, a music room and a new library.

She says this project was one of the highlights of her time there.

Mrs Robinson said: "It was lovely to see the building being built, and to see the children move into it and benefit from the additional space and facilities.

"It was absolutely fantastic to work at the school, it has a great community spirit which is wonderful, I loved every minute of it."

Retirement has seen no let up in her commitment to the school, as she now acts as chairman of the school's Old Girls' Association, the organisation for former pupils.

Mrs Robinson, who lives with her husband Brian and has three stepsons, is also involved at Bury Parish Church, singing in the school choir and volunteering in the coffee shop and book store.

She added: "It is the usual thing, I wonder how I ever made time to work! But we also love our holidays."