A PROLIFIC Spa pensioner did not know she had been awarded an MBE until she read about it in a newspaper.

Mary Louise Miles was delighted when she found out that she had been awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

The 76-year-old, of Fabricius Avenue, was honoured for service to the community following years of voluntary work in the field of health and safety.

"I couldn't believe it when I read in the newspaper that I had been awarded, I am yet to receive official notification," said Miss Miles.

Among her many achievements, Miss Miles was the first woman to take the role of chairman of the Worcestershire Health and Safety Executive in 1994.

Before she took the position at the age of 67, she had already enjoyed a distinguished career in health and safety, working for much of her life as one of the few female factory inspectors in the country.

In 1992, Miss Miles presented a paper at a conference in Cannes to mark European Health and Safety Year.

However, her illustrious career was almost halted when she was involved in a car accident leaving her with serious brain damage.

But, just seven years later Miss Miles fulfilled a long-term goal and attained a Master's degree in occupational health and safety from Aston University in Birmingham at the age of 55.

As a victim of brain damage she wanted to help other people in the same situation and set up a support group for the Worcestershire area.

She has also put pen to paper, writing two novels under her grandmother's maiden name Mary Hannah Herman.