BURY'S Woman of the Year Carol Godby finally took centre stage at the event celebrating the women of Bury.

The popular drama teacher and businesswoman said she was "stunned" when she was chosen to receive the title.

A week later, and still coming to terms with her success, the modest mother-of-two, said: "I still don't believe it. I can't understand why I won. I'm only doing my job."

But according to her staff, the people who nominated her for the award, Carol goes over and above the call of duty.

"She needs another two days a week which she can use to take a break," said one.

Carol (42), who lives on Westbourne Avenue, Whitefield, with her husband Peter, and daughters Lianne (17) and Toni (14), is best known for launching the careers of budding thespians, many of which today grace our televisions most evenings. Ralf Little, Anthony of the Royle Family, and Nikki Sanderson, Candice of Coronation Street (pictured with Carol), are only two of her many proteges.

It was back in 1990 that, along with an actress friend, she set up the borough's first drama workshop, calling it Whitefield Drama Workshop.

Her enthusiasm for the workshop won over the council, who along with The Prince's Trust and North West Arts Board, put up funding for it.

"I had to prove there was a need for such a facility for the young people so I took to the streets of Whitefield and Prestwich asking young people if they would be interested and they said yes," recalled Carol, who is a fully qualified drama teacher.

It was just as the workshop began to thrive that funding was pulled. Despite a campaign to keep it open, the workshop closed its doors a year later.

"I had two children with various courses and qualifications under my belt. But I did not know until then what to do with them," said Carol.

With the support of her pupils she went it alone and set up a workshop in Hollins Community Centre in October 1991.

As demand grew, classes were held across the borough, including Radcliffe Library and Polefield Library.

Carol said she decided to "go for it", and set up The Carol Godby Theatre Workshop.

"I knew it would mean ten times more work and was a gamble. But for me it was not about the money. I wanted the best drama workshop for the young people of Bury," she said.

An old textile mill on Back Broad Street, Bury was acquired. And today it attracts 1,600 children and young adults from the ages of four to 20.

In 1992 Carol established a casting agency called Linton Management with her husband, which is situated on The Rock, Bury. Since its establishment, more than 1,100 work placements have been found for clients.

"Of course I am proud of the pupils who have made it on television and that is great but I'm also proud of all my pupils who go on to become nurses or police officers. That is just as rewarding," said Carol.

But it was her volunteer work with underprivileged children and for charities which won her the Bury Woman of the Year title.

She organises charity club nights at The Met, Bury, and the Elizabethan Suite and performances to raise funds for Bury Hospice and underprivileged children. Carol also runs drama sessions for children in care and gives talks to community groups, visiting schools and giving free consultations to children.

Carol recalled: "I remember working with underprivileged children at a residential home, children who had been let down by society. I made a documentary with them and the change in them was astonishing. But I felt selfish thinking I was doing it for myself."

She added: "I feel so privileged to be doing what I love that I wanted to give something back to the community. I am now looking to set up a theatre in Bury for the community, particularly for youngsters."

Carol concluded: "Being awarded this title is wonderful, especially in the Millennium year. I feel honoured to have been chosen and recognised by a group of professional women."