Horwich "drama queen" Olive Hart received the civic award for her contribution to amateur entertainment in the town.
The 69-year-old was among the founder members of Horwich RMI and District Amateur Operatic Dramatic Society when it met in 1954 for the first time since the Second World War.
Since that time her roles within the company have ranged from leading lady to selling programmes.
And Mrs Hart is still as enthusiastic as ever -- appearing in last year's performance of Oliver.
She was nominated for the honour by one of the town's councillors, and said: "It was a lovely surprise and just such an honour for me.
"I have really worked very hard for the Society, but have enjoyed every minute."
"I had always been interested in amateur theatre since being about 12-years-old. A group of us were in the Bolton Amateur Operatic Society and we worked on Horwich Works. So we decided why not create our own works' operatic society?
Mrs Hart is pictured, seated, receiving her medal from former town Mayor Cllr Peter Mc Geehan, and his wife Delia -- carrying out one of his last civic duties before standing down. Ref: J1434/34a.
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