A CHORUS of approval greeted the news that Doreen Wylde has been honoured with an MBE.

Mrs Wylde, a life member of the Haslemere Players and Farnham Operatic Society, has received the honour for her services to operatic societies in Surrey.

A former music teacher at Broadwater School in Godalming, Mrs Wylde moved from Sunderland to the Haslemere area in the 1960s with her husband Bill.

Her work with operatic societies in Haslemere, Farnham, Grayshott, Alton, and Godalming has seen Mrs Wylde direct a massive total of 112 musicals

And at 76, she has no plans to put away her director's chair.

"I will be working with Farnham Operatic Society on a production of the musical adaptation of Carmen. I have had to slow down a bit but I am passionate about music and acting and would find it very difficult to stop working," she said.

The award came as a big surprise to Mrs Wylde, who is currently in the process of moving house from Liss to Liphook.

"I feel very honoured indeed, I had no idea that I had been nominated. It's been an absolute privilege to work with each of the operatic societies. There's a lot of talent in this part of the country, which makes my job as a director a pleasure."

Recent achievements for Mrs Wylde include her direction of the Haslemere Players in Kismet and the Grayshott Stagers in Annie Get Your Gun.

"I enjoy working on the choreography and I absolutely love working on scenes which include a large number of people. Getting the cast in just the right positions can be a real challenge," she said.

Mrs Wylde has three grown-up sons - Michael, David, and Nicholas. Her late husband, Bill, was also a well-known figure for his work with the operatic societies. He directed many productions and played opposite his wife on several occasions.

Still in constant demand as a director, Mrs Wylde has been a member of the executive committee of Haslemere Players since 1969. She has served both as secretary and chairman and currently has charge of the wardrobe in the Players' studio.

A life member for a number of years, in 2002 Mrs Wylde was awarded the gold award of the National Operatic and Dramatic Society for for 50 years' service to amateur theatre.

A spokesman for Haslemere Players said the honour was "much deserved".

"Haslemere Players are delighted that Doreen's exceptional efforts have been officially recognised."