f+bs=10os=9o The medal is one of two which has been awarded by the town council this week for the first time. The first was to Jack Prescott for his work with Horwich Harriers.

Like Mr Prescott, Mrs Gibbons had no idea she was to receive the award. When she saw the Mayor, she assumed that Cllr McCracken had come to give a talk.

Aged 89 this month, Mrs Gibbons has served on the committee at Rock Street Pensioners Association for 20 years.

She is currently social secretary organising outings, entertainment and other social events including the annual Christmas dinner.

Mrs Gibbons, who lives at Flockton Court, is also well known for her work with the St John Ambulance, which she joined more than 50 years ago.

A few years ago she became a serving sister of the Order of St John, one of the organisation's top honours, and was promoted to serving officer.

As Superintendent of the Horwich branch, she taught first aid classes to countless children and adults, including cubs, scouts and brownies.

She also completed more than 2,000 hours of voluntary work at Bolton Royal Infirmary and carried out St John Ambulance duties at various events, including match days at Burnden Park.

At Tuesday's presentation, Mrs Gibbons was joined by members of her family.

The great-great grandmother was speechless when the surprise was sprung on her but, since getting her breath back, she says that it is a great honour to be chosen for the award.

" I don't know why I was picked out," said Mrs Gibbons. "I've always got a lot of pleasure from doing voluntary work." I have made it my pleasure." Top honour for runner Jack A MAN who has devoted most of his life to the service of Horwich Harriers has also been recognised for his work by the Town Council.

Jack Prescott was one of the founder members of the Harriers in 1926.

Mr Prescott, aged 89, was presented with his medal by the Town Mayor at a ceremony at Hazelbrook Nursing Home where he is a resident.

The ceremony was attended by Mr Prescott's daughter, Carol, and his son David, who had travelled up from London.

Until five years ago, when he suffered a stroke, Mr Prescott used to go out walking every day and was also a keen swimmer.

Born in Adlington, he came to live in Horwich after his marriage and worked at Horwich Loco Works until his retirement.

For 35 years he was secretary of the Horwich Harriers and a former chairman, and is now life president. He was also a former president of East Lancashire Cross Country Association.

Mr Prescott was champion cross country runner and ran right until he was in his 50s. At the age of 56, he won the Veterans Manchester Blackpool Road Walk.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.