LEIGH'S First Lady of Rugby Union, Carol Isherwood, has received the OBE in the Queen's 50th anniversary honours list.

The former England and Great Britain captain has been recognised for her outstanding contribution towards women's rugby union over the last 22 years.

The 41-years-old former Leigh CE Junior and Leigh Girls' Grammar School pupil will take her mum and dad, Nellie and Ken, to Buckingham Palace where she will receive her award from the Queen later this summer.

Carol, the eldest of five sisters, who was brought up in Sandgate Close, Leigh, is the national performance director for women's rugby and is currently in Canada with the national squad which is playing in the Churchill Cup.

She said: "I'm a bit stunned really. It's amazing to get an honour for doing a job that I love."

A keen Leigh RL fan when she was young, Carol started a RU team at Leeds University in 1981 after meeting a Sheffield player while hop picking.

After gaining a history degree she worked in catering for three years so that she could run the team. She later became sports development worker for Westminster City Council and has since gone on to gain her Masters in Leisure activities.

Carol, who played open side flanker, was a founder member of the RFUW and was elected its first secretary in December 1983.

She has been involved as a player at club and international level, and as an administrator and coach.

Carol, who stopped playing five years ago because of a knee injury, is now based at Rugby HQ, Twickenham.

She has been instrumental in building the strength of the national team to a side that is admired and respected throughout the world of rugby.

Following a silver medal at the 2002 World Cup, and England's Grand Slam and Six Nations win this year, Carol and the rest of the team staff and players are now planning for success at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Carol works closely with the RFU to enhance opportunities and playing standards within the female game, and is a major player in developing the game from grass roots level to international success.

Managing Director of the RFUW, Rosie Williams said: "We are all very pleased for Carol and she definitely deserves this great honour "

"Carol has made an unbelievable contribution to women's rugby all over the world and is respected for her dedication and commitment. This is a well deserved honour for her "