A COMMUNITY champion who has dedicated decades to improving lives in Bury has been included on the New Year's Honours List.

Betty Kenyon will receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to the community.

The 77-year-old, of Tottington, is a former chair of trustees at charity Home-Start Bury and has been the archivist at Bury Grammar School, where she was also a pupil and teacher, for more than two decades.

Mrs Kenyon, who has three children and three grandchildren, said: "I have done lots of different things in my lifetime and I am lucky enough to have enjoyed them all.

"I found out I was going to be on the honours list a little while ago and I couldn't believe it. I don't tend to get too excited about things, but I was really surprised by this.

"I am just amazed that this honour has been given to me because I am just someone who has enjoyed what I have done and tried to give back to the community.

"I have been very fortunate in my life."

Mrs Kenyon is the chair of the church council at Bury Unitarian Church, where she has been an active member for around 60 years.

She is the daughter of Vincent Ashworth, the former owner of Casewell's shop, where it is believed town’s first black puddings were made and sold.

Mrs Kenyon, a former magistrate, added: "I started with Home-Start just after I retired as a teacher. I had been teaching for nearly 40 years in a lot of different schools and I know how important it is that children get a good start in life.

"Home-Start does an absolutely wonderful job in Bury and I am very proud to be associated with it.

"I have a long history with Bury Grammar School. My grandfather went there, I was a student and a teacher, and all of my three children went there too.

"Because of my history with the school I was asked if I would be interested in being the archivist, so I have been organising the school archives ever since then.

"I kept on doing it after I retired and still do it today, I really enjoy it."

Mark Riddell, a social worker from Bury, has also been honoured for his services to children.

Mr Riddell, who works for Trafford Council, will receive an MBE.