A TOP libraries officer is writing a new chapter in her life.

The Rev Elizabeth Binns, who is an assistant priest in Bury, has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester.

The 54-year-old, who is principal libraries and adult learning officer for Bury Council, was awarded the MBE in 2006 for services to local Government.

Rev Binns, who has worked for the local authority for the past 20 years, is one of two new deputy lieutenants announced by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren J Smith.

She said: “I was actually nominated. I believe that the Lord Lieutenant was looking for new people and that Bury Council chief executive Mark Sanders nominated me when Mr Smith visited the town.

“I am both surprised and delighted. I don’t think I am expected to devote a lot of time to the office over a year. But it is a long-term commitment because I will remain in the post until I am 75.”

Rev Binns, of Raymond Avenue, is hopeful that she will represent Bury where possible and undertake engagements in the borough. It could be that I will help promote Bury or perhaps give talks to organisations either about the town or the work of the lieutenancy.

“My appointment is a way of contributing to Bury. I am immensely proud to work for the council. I want to be able to promote Bury because I think it has a lot to offer.”

She is currently assistant priest at St John with St Mark’s Church in Bury.

Born and raised in Bury, she was educated at the Derby School.

She worked as a nurse at Bury General Hospital for 10 years but was forced to give up due to a back injury.

She had always been interested in the library service and subsequently joined Bury Council.