A youth worker and former teacher has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her services to young people in South Yorkshire.

Becky Pickles, 40, was recognised for her work at Aspire training company, based at Churchfield Court, which she set up in October 2011.

Aspire helps underprivileged youngsters aged 14 to 18, who are taught different aspects of media production as well as receiving training in acting and directing.

"We get the most disadvantaged kids off the streets, literally," said Becky, of Ridgewalk Way, Ward Green.

"I had quite a rough upbringing and that made me feel I should make other people in similar situations feel like they can aspire and achieve something.

"I had low aspirations. I thought I'd end up a cleaner - which is not disrespectful - I just thought I'd do what I knew."

Becky qualified as a teacher at Huddersfield University and was a head of year at Wisewood School in Sheffield before setting up Aspire.

She was nominated for the medal by friend and former colleague Toni Cooper and found out she had won when she received a letter from the cabinet office.

"I phoned them up because I thought it was a joke," said Becky.

"I was asked if I would accept it, because you have to accept it, and I said 'wow'. It's the icing on the cake really."

The award was established in 1922 to replace the Medal of the Order of the British Empire.

It lay in abeyance from 1992 until June, when it was brought back to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee.

Becky, who was also shortlisted for a Proud of Barnsley award, was presented with the medal at the town hall by Lord Lieutenant David Moody and mayor Dorothy Higginbottom.

She added: "On reflection we have done a lot for the community of Barnsley and that sense of achievement is massive."