A MARVELLOUS Mossley woman has been honoured for her commitment to education by receiving an MBE.
Christine Lyness spent 50 years in the sector, beginning as a teacher at Ashton Grammar School in 1972.
Now after decades of service, she has received royal recognition in the New Year’s Honours List.
After being nominated by Ashton Sixth Form College, a stunned Christine said: “To say I’m very surprised, shocked and humbled is an understatement.”
Christine has also established herself as a keen campaigner for Mossley, becoming an integral part of its Town Team.
She is involved with Friends of Mossley Park and Mossley Fairtrade Committee, but it is for her services to education that she has received the acclaim.
After teaching, Christine served as a governor at Buckton Vale Primary, Mossley Hollins High School and All Saints Primary in Micklehurst.
She has also been a governor at Ashton Sixth Form College, the same place she started and finished her teaching career in subjects like biology, psychology and health and social care, and a trustee of Stamford Park Trust until her retirement in September 2024.
Now Christine can add three more letters to her title – M, B and E.
Lisa Richards, centre principal of Ashton Sixth Form College, said: “This award to Chris Lyness is so richly deserved.
“Chris has dedicated 52 years of service to the borough of Tameside as a teacher, senior manager, governor, and civic leader.
“At Ashton Sixth Form College alone, she has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students through her drive, care, and determination to make a real difference.
“Most recently, as a valued Trustee of Stamford Park Trust, she has supported both the college and our other academies within Tameside, as well as numerous others.
“There are few who, like Chris, have made such a sustained and impactful contribution across three phases of education – primary, secondary, and post-16.
“On behalf of everyone at the college, our Trust, and the other schools where Chris has served as a governor, and who joined me in supporting her nomination, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you and offer our warmest congratulations to Chris.”