A RETIRED headteacher who has been a driving force in her community for 40 years is to receive an MBE.

Stefa McManners was praised in the Queen’s New Year Honours for her “important and sustained impact on the former mining communities of Coundon, Leeholme and Bishop Auckland.”

Her “commitment, dedication and energy” displayed as headteacher of St Joseph’s RCVA Primary in Coundon and at the forefront of various community projects was also highlighted.

Most recently, Mrs McManners’ role as an Eleven Arches trustee has seen her play a crucial part in making Kynren a success, as well as promoting the many benefits it brings to her hometown of Bishop Auckland.

The £100m project aims to regenerate the town through culture and, to date, the open air historic spectacle has been seen by more than 100,000 people.

In 2004, Mrs McManners, 68, became chairwoman of the Save our Soldier campaign and helped source £30,000 to restore Coundon’s war memorial to its former glory.

Standing at the entrance to the village, the statue of the soldier is more than a war memorial, it has become a symbol of hope and civic pride to many residents.

Mrs McManners said she was surprised yet delighted to receive the honour. “When awards like this are given out it is rarely just one person who is responsible for the achievements,” she said. “I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing and very dedicated people and it just goes to show what can happen when people work together.”

Mrs McManners was born and brought up near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and met her husband, Dr Robert McManners OBE, while studying in Newcastle.

The couple moved to Bishop Auckland in 1975.

Mrs McManners said she hoped her MBE would shine further light on Bishop Auckland, adding: “There is so much talent in this area and it is wonderful to have an opportunity to showcase it.”