A DROITWICH woman who dedicated her life to promoting health and safety was astounded to see her name as she perused a newspaper's New Year's honours list.

Mary Miles, whose MBE followed a battle against breast cancer, a coronary bypass and two knee replacements, had no idea until she read the papers last Wednesday.

The 76-year-old president of Worcestershire's occupational health and safety group was nominated by one of her members, Pete Sheehan, who hailed her as the backbone of the organisation.

Well known in the area as a lay preacher at Droitwich Baptist Church, Miss Miles said the honour came as a complete shock.

"I was reading the A-M list in the paper and was astounded to see my name at the bottom," she said.

"It was lovely way to find out and I was thrilled."

Since becoming a factory inspector in 1955, Miss Miles, of Fabricius Avenue, has devoted her time to teaching and promoting the importance of health and safety at work.

Forced to retire on health grounds, she won a bursary to study for a degree, which she then used to teach health and safety within local authorities and to people looking for an alternative career.

"I am passionate about the subject because people spend most of their life at work and deserve not to get ill or have an accident," she said.

"I feel now I can look Angel Gabriel in the eye and say I've done something good for the world."