A WOMAN who has worked in the health service for 40 years has been honoured by the Queen.

Hilda Harvey, chairman of NHS Bury, was given an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for services to the NHS and the community in Greater Manchester.

She will travel to St James’ Palace in London later this year to receive her award in a special ceremony.

Mrs Harvey, who lives in Holcombe Brook, said: “I was both extremely surprised and honoured to be selected to receive this award.

“I have never been afraid to challenge or question when I have felt it necessary because I believe that it is part of my role as a layperson to do so.

“I am an ordinary person who has been given the opportunity to work with an extraord-inary group of dedicated professionals to improve the health and well being of our community.

“This award is as much for all the members of the NHS Bury team as it is for me. I have been privileged to have been able to undertake a role that I love, working with such a special group of people. Without their support I would not have been able to achieve any of this, and I thank them all for their dedication and commitment.”

Mrs Harvey was appointed as chairman of NHS Bury, then known as Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT), when it was first established in 2002.

She is also the vice-chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester PCTs and the Greater Manchester Health Commission.

She has previously served on several other bodies, including Bury Family Health Services Authority, Bury Community Health Council, and Bury and Rochdale Health Authority.

Mrs Harvey was also the chairman of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on the appointment of magistrates to the Bolton bench until last year.

Meanwhile, a Bury businesswoman has become a CBE.

Ms Susan Hodgkiss, chairman of William Hare Group based on Brandlesholme Road, has been honoured for her contribution to the community and services to industry.

Founded in 1945, the company has worked on local and national projects, including Manchester Aiprort, the Trafford centre, the Lowry at Salford Quays, and the Spinningfields Development.

Ms Hodgkiss, aged 58, has served as a principal patron of Bolton’s Emmaus charity, principal patron of Bolton’s Octagon Theatre, a member of the Standards and Remuneration Committee for Bolton Council, director of Bolton Training Group and governor at Bolton School. She said: “I strongly believe in giving something back to the community and I am very fortunate to be involved with so many wonderful charities and community organisations.”

She has recently set up the S. Hodgkiss Charitable Trust, an organisation which focuses on the North West arts, the homeless and social inclusion.