The founder and CEO of The Monastery Manchester, Elaine Griffiths has been named in the Queen's New Year Honours list for an OBE. 

This prestigious award has been given for 'services to charity and heritage' and is so well deserved. Elaine works tirelessly with the development of the building across many levels, motivated by the desire to see a strong future for the Monastery, and the regeneration of the local area through the salvation of this heritage jewel. She truly does this work for the love and the legacy. Supported by husband Paul, a former choirboy at the Monastery, their combined vision to save this wonderful building truly came from the heart.

Elaine says: "I am both delighted and humbled to be awarded an OBE for my charity and heritage work at the Monastery. However, I would not be able to achieve anything at all without the dedication, hard work and generosity of all of our staff, volunteers and supporters who over the past 22 years continue to give of their time and talents, week in and week out. It is a real privilege to be leading the team and working with every one of them, so with huge gratitude, I accept this honour on behalf of us all.”