CONGRATULATIONS to Anne Hudson of Barnsley who has been presented with a Woman of Steel Award for vital work she did during Second World War.

Anne, now 90, worked as a crane driver at David Brown’s Steelworks, Penistone, carrying ladels of hot moulton metal.

This was poured into moulds to make parts for tanks, a very difficult and dangerous job for a girl of 21, but Anne’s stoicism carried her through. Anne remembers one particular frightening experience when there was an air raid in Sheffield.

“It blew all the lights out and I was working in the foundry at the time and was stuck in the crane 40ft up. I managed to climb a girder and then slowly made my way down steel rungs to get back down. “It was really scary because the place was in total darkness.”

Fortunately, she got down unscathed but it was an experience she still remembers to this day. Anne, who lived in Britannia Street off Sheffield Road, at the time, worked 12-hour shifts and earned between £3 and £5 per week. Previously, she had worked at the Yorkshire Traction Company as a clippie.

But when war broke out the women were made redundant so that the men could take over and wouldn’t be out of work. Anne, said: “In all my life I have only had one week on the dole. In spite of everything I enjoyed my jobs very much.”

A letter to her from MP Kevan Jones said: “On behalf of the Government and the Ministry of Defence, I want to thank you for the work you did during our Nation’s very difficult time. Your contribution made sure that our brave soldiers continued to have a supply of arms which led to this country’s victory in 1945.”

Mr Jones went on to say that the industries of South Yorkshire were crucial to the war effort. Output in the coal mines and steelworks had to increase and the railway network protected to alllow the movement of vital supplies and troops.

“Britain was the only country in Europe to conscript women as well as men in WW2 and South Yorkshire women, such as yourself, rose quickly to that challenge. A large number of women were already skilled in metalworking and many others undertook heavy industrial work in what was an alien environment to them without hesitation.

“South Yorkshire’s Women of Steel played a vital role in keeping the engine room of Britain running. And, for that, the nation is grateful.”

Anne’s close friend, Dave Cherry, said: “Anne certainly did her bit for King and country.” Her award was presented by former Mayor of Sheffield, Coun Graham Oxley. “It was a very proud day for me,” she said. Anne is still very active and enjoys attending luncheon clubs, coffee mornings and the cinema.