A DEDICATED member of Bury's political scene has been honoured for her hard work.

Iona Worthington has been awarded an MBE for voluntary political service in the Queen's birthday honours list.

The 74-years-old from Summerseat has been a member of the town's Conservative party association for more than 50 years and now serves as president of the group.

She is also chairman of the Bury Ladies Lifeboat Guild, a team she has been part of for 55 years.

Mrs Worthington said: "When I first got the letter it was so unexpected I thought I can't accept this but I am happy to accept on behalf of the people who I have worked with.

"I was absolutely amazed, I just never expected it at all. I haven't a clue who put me forward.

"It is an honour but I'm sure their are people far, far more deserving than me, on our lifeboat committee alone there are two ladies who have been on board longer than me.

"I feel quite humble and actually slightly embarrassing, I don't feel particularly deserving of it."

Mrs Worthington, a former local government officer who has worked with both Bury and Tottington councils, believes the honour has been awarded for both her voluntary and political work.

News of the honour has been welcomed by her colleagues, including Chris Clarkson who described it as "a well deserved award for a fantastic lady" and former Conservative candidate Daniel Hamilton who praised her as a "lady of immense kindness, endless enthusiasm and true public service".