A LONG serving volunteer says being recognised in the New Year's Honours list is the "icing on the cake".

Shirley Holt, aged 81, has spent more than half a century volunteering at schools and other organisations, and was awarded a British Empire Medal.

It is not the first time her work has been recognised, she previously won the Horwich Civic Award in 2011.

The mother-of-five originally worked as a PE teacher at Bolton Technical School and Rivington Grammar School, and started her voluntary work in the 1960s.

She has helped a range of people, from the young to the elderly, including teaching swimming and Sunday school classes, to working with Horwich Inner Wheel and helping transport elderly people to day care.

She has had a long affinity with Chorley New Road Primary School, having attended as a child and sending her children there.

It was as a parent when she first became involved as a school governor, serving for 35 years, at schools including Lord Street, Chorley New Road infants and juniors, and Claypool.

Mrs Holt, who has four grandchildren, was also a magistrate for 26 years, and has also helped the Children’s Society by collecting money at Holy Trinity Church in Horwich.

She continues to keep the books for the family firm, gates and railings manufacturer Holt Brothers Ltd, on a voluntary basis after her son took the reins of the company.

Mrs Holt, of Brownlow Road, Horwich, said: "It is something I love doing, so it is just the icing in the cake to get this award.

"I get lots of pleasure from seeing the children develop.

"I have been involved with Chorley New Road Primary School for most of my life, it's part of my life.

"I have been part of a number of different things over the years and it's nice to be recognised."

Mrs Holt and her husband Cedric are now looking forward to attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace later this year.