DOING the same job for 40 years is no mean feat and spending that period of time giving your services voluntarily takes an extra special kind of dedication.

Staff, parents and pupils at Oaklands School in Winsford are celebrating after chair of governors, Aileen Parry, was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

And adding extra volume to the cheers is the news that the school has received an outstanding Ofsted report for the third consecutive time.

Aileen has been a governor in Winsford for more than 40 years, and after joining the board at the Montgomery Way school in 1977 she has been the chairman of governors there for the past 34 years.

Aileen, who has two granddaughters, Emily and Olivia, knew about her award six weeks before it was announced but had to keep it a secret from everyone, including her family.

"I'm beyond thrilled," Aileen said. "It was the hardest secret I've ever had to keep.

"My husband was there when I opened the letter but I had to wait six weeks before it was announced officially and I could share the news with my family.

"I told my two sons the night before and it was wonderful."

Despite her joy at receiving the award, Aileen admitted it was marred by the fact her parents weren't still alive to see it.

She said: "The award is tinged with sadness as both my parents have passed away in the past 12 months and they would have been immensely proud."

Aileen will receive her MBE at Buckingham Palace on February 11 next year and will be accompanied by her husband, David.

Her sons, Nick and Jeremy, will also be flying in from Arizona and Hong Kong for the special event.

Headteacher Kevin Boyle said: "After receiving our outstanding Ofsted report for the third time in a row, hearing about Aileen's MBE was the icing on the cake.

"Headteachers of effective schools often get rewarded so it's just fantastic that Aileen's achievements have been recognised.

"She gives her time so freely, so often and it's all been voluntary for such a long time."