SHE divides her time between her work, family and helping people in desperate situations both at home.

This week Julia Simpkins was presented with a prestigious national award in recognition of her work to promote international solidarity.

The secretary of the Bolton-branch of the National Union of Teachers was the winner of the fourth Steve Sinnott International Solidarity Award, which was presented to her at the annual conference.

Ms Simpkins, who lives in Tonge Fold, said: "It was a great honour and I was really surprise that I had been put forward for it.

"Those who have been presented with it previously are people who I hold in high esteem."

The award recognises Ms Simpkins' work in Palestine, developing relations with the UNRWA School at Nablus Askar camp and for promoting international solidarity events for International Women’s Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, as well as regular Love Music Hate Racism events. Ms Simpkins has helped the desperate people in Calais and organised a local event for Srebrenica Memorial Day.

The mother of two grown up children said: "I am on phased retirement, spending three days working and two days on my work for international solidarity

"When I am fully retirement I will put in more time."

Ms Simpkins has been in the union for 40 years and six years as secretary of the Bolton division.

She praised the work of organisations in Bolton for promoting international solidarity.

"Everybody has those days when you think am I making a difference but you don't know what ripple effect your work is having on other people, what difference it is making."

Kevin Courtney, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers section of the National Education Union, presented with Ms Simpkins with the award.

He said: "This award is named after the tenth General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers (2004-8).

"Steve was passionate about the international work of the union, and it is this award which seeks to celebrate continued efforts by members to make a difference globally. I am delighted that Julia is this year’s winner of the Steve Sinnott International Solidarity Award."