PENSIONERS from across Oxford brought together by a woman honoured by the Queen celebrated her achievements with a tea party.

Christine Burden, of Meadow Lane, was made an MBE in the Birthday Honours List in recognition of her work setting up the Sweet Memories Club for over 65s at the Gladiator Sports and Social Club, in Iffley Road.

Dozens of people who regularly attend the club got together on Thursday to cheer Mrs Burden on – and had nothing but good things to say about the 64-year-old.

Olive Goodgame, from Canning Crescent, has been coming to the club for about four years.

The 92-year-old said: “I cried when I heard she got the MBE, it couldn't happen to a better person.

“It is a relief to be able to come out for a morning and I look forward to the club every week.

“Christine is lovely, she makes the club.”

Her friend, Lillian Smith, from Tree Lane, Iffley, said Mrs Burden was “a darling”.

The 86-year-old said: “It is important to me because it means I've got company.”

Eileen Loveridge, from Magdalen Road, helped Mrs Burden set up the club 11 years ago and has been volunteering ever since.

The 78-year-old said: “She is definitely the heart of the club. She is a lovely woman, so helpful and kind.”

As well as the regular coffee mornings, Mrs Burden arranges for visitors to come to talk to the group, and invites the local police officers, councillors and clergy to come on special occasions.

The Rev Adam Romanis, who is honorary president of the Gladiator Club and the vicar of nearby churches SS Mary and John and St Alban’s, said he remembered when he was first approached about setting up the club.

He said: “She spoke to me about this initiative and at the beginning it was very tentative.

“It took off in no time and it is thanks to Christine because she is an exceptional, caring manager of people.”

He described the club as a huge success.

Mr Romanis added: “When you think of all the people who have got MBEs and you wonder why, you don’t need to ask with Christine because it is obvious why she deserves it.”

And even at an event organised in her own honour, Mrs Burden was still busy making sure things ran smoothly.

She said: “It’s been busy getting everything organised and making sure everyone has a lovely morning.

“I have made wonderful friends here and I want to thank all the volunteers and all these senior citizens, without them there wouldn’t be a coffee morning.”