EIGHTEEN years after first appearing in her local paper, a woman who has dedicated her life to athletics has gained a lifetime achievement award. Olive Megit, who lives in Dunmow, took part in the eastern region athletics award ceremony in Cambridge on Sa

EIGHTEEN years after first appearing in her local paper, a woman who has dedicated her life to athletics has gained a lifetime achievement award.

Olive Megit, who lives in Dunmow, took part in the eastern region athletics award ceremony in Cambridge on Saturday evening, and took home one of the top prizes for her 35 years involvement in many regions.

She said: "It was a terrific evening, I was so happy to be awarded for all my hard work over the years, it is something that I have really enjoyed. But I will be calling it a day before the end of the year, because it is time to put my feet up."

With her name up in lights Olive boarded the stage at Homerton College to receive the Outstanding Service to Athletics award. "It all started in 1972," she said. "I became a member of the Essex Ladies as a parent and since then I have been secretary, chairman, committee member, referee and a vice president for many athletics organisations such as the AAA.

"I really have loved doing the work and will be sad to say goodbye to a big part of my life."

She originally appeared in the February 28 1990 edition of the Dunmow Broadcast after receiving a reward for her work in county athletics.

Olive is now looking forward to her retirement and devoting her time to the next love in her life, her painting.