‘INSPIRATIONAL’ community leader Annie Makepeace says she is ‘flattered but very embarrassed’ by an award for people who live life to the full.

The 67-year-old retired English teacher from Wincham won the LaterLife Challenge, which recognises people over the age of 50 who make the most of retirement.

Annie is chairman of Wincham Parish Council, and is involved in a multitude of activities and organisations, many of which she initiated.

She was nominated for the award by parish council clerk Naomi Morris, and had been invited to receive a regional award on Thursday at a Thirsty Thursday event at Tatton Brewery.

The presentation coincided with the 54th birthday of Annie's husband, Ian Parr, and was the day before their 29th wedding anniversary.

LaterLife managing director Tony Clack presented Annie with the award before surprising her with the news that she was also the overall winner.

“It was very flattering but very embarrassing to receive the award because I don’t feel I do any more than anyone else,” she said.

“The award is a great opportunity to promote the importance of keeping active when you are retired and trying the range of things which are available for people.”

As a regional winner Annie received a bottle of champagne and a £150 voucher for a Red Letter Day experience, and a trophy, a Kindle Fire HDX tablet, an overnight stay for two in a Hand Picked Hotel and a pair of Dents gloves as the overall winner.

Tony Clack said Annie was a very worthy winner of the LaterLife Challenge for 2014.

“The judges were most impressed by her determination to make the most of retirement, and she has certainly achieved that aim to the full,” he said.

“The judges were very impressed by her determination to do things and her enthusiasm for all the activities she does. She has had to overcome a lot of surgery to help her walk, having suffered from a twisted spine.

“Annie is very active and has an extremely wide range of interests, many of which involve helping others. She is energetic and still full of determination to live life to the full.”

Parish clerk Naomi Morris said: “Annie is an inspiration, and it is lovely that she has received this well-deserved award.

“She has taken on the role of council chairman this year knowing she faced a series of major operations, and has performed the role with gusto.

“She has raised the profile of Wincham, and has brought the village together. She is a great example of someone who gets a great deal out of life and also gives a lot, supporting other people when they need it.”

Annie retired in 2002, and set up an out of school and holiday club, which she ran for eight years.

She acts, directs and is on the committee at Moulton Drama Group, is the publicity and brewery liaison officer for the North Cheshire branch of CAMRA and a volunteer Snow Angel for the area.

Annie is a defibrillator trainee, puts on professional shows for the community through Cheshire Rural Touring Arts, is a member of the Heather Baker adults pop choir and a waste reduction volunteer.

She is looking at forming a gardening club for the village, has launched board games afternoons and quiz nights and enjoys performing at Northwich Folk Club.