A LISKEARD woman has expressed her delight at being awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mary Snell has received the honour for her services to physical education, which recognises her 42 years as a voluntary swimming teacher.

Mary, who will be 77 in November, teaches primary school children to swim, mainly at Lux Park Leisure Centre.

Since she first began in 1973 thousands of pupils from schools all over the local area have learned how to swim under Mary's instructions.

She says she is now teaching the children of children she has taught and thinks it won't be long before she is into the third generation.

'I am still teaching and will continue as long as I am able and enjoying it,' she said.

'I'm not quite ready to be put out to grass yet.'

'The award has come as a complete shock, but I am delighted, and it was very nice for someone to nominate me.'

Mary was originally from Bolventor but has lived in Liskeard since 1960.