A DISTRICT nurse of 27 years collected her MBE from Prince Charles, then announced: "I've no plans to retire yet".

Kathleen Cheetham, aged 61, was honoured for her dedication to caring for others which saw her return to work just seven months after undergoing an operation to remove a brain tumour in 1989.

Mrs Cheetham, of Thicketford Close, Tonge Moor, went to Buckingham Palace with husband Eric, aged 64, and daughters Anne, aged 36 and Lindsay, aged 33, yesterday.

Shewas awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to healthcare.

Prince Charles presented the honours on the Queen's behalf.

"It was nerve wracking but brilliant," Mrs Cheetham said. "Prince Charles was lovely and put everyone at their ease.

"He seemed genuinely interested in why everyone had got their awards. He wasn't just performing a ceremony."

Mrs Cheetham wore a new outfit, a cream three-piece suit and matching hat, with pewter-coloured shoes and bag, bought especially for the occasion.

She and her family celebrated with a traditional pub lunch in London, before making their way back to Bolton.

Mrs Cheetham said she still could not quite believe that she had been given such a prestigious award.

"I was very surprised and honoured.

"It has just about sunk in now," she said.

Despite her Royal day out, Mrs Cheetham said she would be back at work at the Alistair Ross Health Centre in Breightmet Fold Lane, Bolton, on Monday.

"I love it," she said. "The patients make you feel special. It's a very rewarding job."