SCHOOLTEACHER Gwen Mayor who died in the Dunblane massacre protecting the children she loved has been shortlisted for a Scotswoman of The Year award.

Mrs Mayor, who grew up in Great Harwood, is among twelve heroines shortlisted for the top honour by the Glasgow Evening Times.

Readers of the Scottish newspaper are voting for the winner, but the Lancashire Evening Telegraph is making it possible for friends and neighbours in Great Harwood to cast their vote.

The Glasgow Evening Times is sending the Lancashire Evening Telegraph a limited number of newspapers containing the voting form for us to give away.

Gwen's mother-in-law, Mrs Frances Mayor, of Green Street, Great Harwood, said: "We think it's wonderful she has been nominated and are praying she will get it.

"We don't know exactly what happened and can only surmise but I'm quite sure she must have gone to him.

"It's a natural thing to do when you are protecting children," she added.

Mrs Mayor and her husband, Tom, have also made a poigant appeal for the local community to support the Dunblane Snowdrop petition pressing for tighter controls on firearms and the outlawing of private ownership of hand guns.

Their son, Rodney, has forwarded the petition which is in Great Harwood shops. It will be available to sign at the Central Methodist Church on Sunday.

Mrs Mayor said: "This is a heartbreaking time for us and all our family and Gwen's family.

"This must never be allowed to happen again. Let us learn a great lesson and ban the sale of guns altogether."

People wanting copies of the petition can contact Mrs Linda Harrison, a neighbour of Mr and Mrs Mayor, on 887415.

The Accrington office of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph is expecting to receive a limited number of copies of the Glasgow Evening Times in the next couple of days. Votes have to be in by May 24.

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