VICE-chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, Alexandra Burslem, will headline this year's Bury Woman of the Year awards ceremony.

Mrs Burslem, who has been vice-chancellor for two years, will be the guest speaker at the Elizabethan Suite on Thursday, October 21.

Being a woman, wife, mother and holding down a "top job", Mrs Burslem is well equipped to talk about the way women cope taking on the tough roles they do in their lives.

Mrs Burslem was born in Lancashire and has firm roots in the area.

"I am very proud of my northern roots. I love the North West," said Mrs Burslem.

The 59-year-old mother-of-three admits that being a wife, mother and professional is very much a juggling act.

"It is not an easy job. Women get many demands made on them in all quarters of life," said Mrs Burslem.

Her visit to Bury will not be her first.

"I am familiar with Bury. I have relatives here and I am very much looking forward to visiting again." Mrs Burslem lives in Cheshire and is involved in many projects including membership of the Courts of Lancaster and Salford Universities. She is on the board of CONTACT, the University consortium for continuing education which operates in Manchester and Salford.

Her credentials include a politics and modern history degree from Manchester University and a post-graduate qualification from Manchester Business School.

She is also a magistrate for the Manchester Inner City Bench and was chairman for the BBC North Regional Advisory Council.

Mrs Burslem emphasised the importance of recognising the role of women in society and the work they do.

"Having a Bury Woman of the Year ceremony acknowledges the hard work of women and the important roles they play. There are many unsung heroes and a ceremony like this gives a rare opportunity to congratulate them," said Mrs Burslem.

The judging panel are in the process of looking at all the nominations and the winner will be announced at the ceremony.

Last year's speaker, Daily Telegraph journalist, Gillian Reynolds, has agreed to be patron of the event.

All proceeds from the event will go to Bury Hospice.

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