IT was a first for the Bouquet of the Week when four people put forward the same name to be presented with flowers as a thank you for all her work, writes SUSAN GOODSON

"A bit of a shock" is how Beth Horan described the experience when she received a call from The Mail saying she was receiving a bouquet.

Even though Beth is well known in Barrow for all the work she does, along with husband Denis, to stage great-value entertainment, she was still not expecting the recognition.

The first call came from her mother, Marina McIntyre, which did make Beth laugh, and the other three were from people who just wanted to say thank you for all her efforts in organising events and helping to bring big acts to Barrow.

The nominations flowed in after the success of a pop festival featuring a host of celebrity acts and personalities, held on August bank holiday at Craven Park, Barrow.

The Ultimate Pop Festival was organised by Beth and Denis, who also performed at the show. It was just one of the events which the couple have played a big part in organising.

Last year's Christmas lights switch-on was organised by Beth and Denis through their company Ultimate Events UK. The couple made it happen, along with the help of a small team of people, despite having very little time after it was announced that the council-organised event would no longer take place.

The event was sponsored by Associated British Ports and supported by donations from local people and businesses.

They are also organising this year's switch-on, starring Kevin Simm, the winner of The Voice 2016, and a host of local talent, with the main stage sponsor being Orsted (the new name for Dong Energy), along with International Nuclear Services and Barrow Bid.

The three other nominators, Gemma Humes, Karen Davies and David Jones, said how much they appreciated the couple's efforts, but did single out Beth because of the fact that she works full time at Associated British Ports, sings herself and along with Denis, parents seven children - and then finds the time to organise events.

They wanted Beth to know this was really appreciated and that they realised how much it takes to ensure shows don't just happen, but run smoothly and safely.

Beth also played a part in organising the ABP 150th anniversary celebrations, Marina added, and helped ensure Barrow Carnival will make a comeback.

"A really fantastic, lovely and hard working person," is how Karen Davies described Beth, who is her niece.

"Her, Denis and the children are such a lovely family and the children all help the young ones, it is a privilege to be part of it all."

A surprised Beth said: "I love my job at the port because the role is so varied, no two days are the same.

"When it comes to the kids, it is always hectic but we do rely on family to help, but everything has to be organised and I know where everyone is or is going to be.

"It does take a lot of hours to organise events and anti-social hours because I tend to do a lot of work once the children have gone to bed. That means three or four hours a night until one or two in the morning, but we want to give people what they want and to give back to the town.

"It is hard work because we are building the business and you have to prove to people you are professional and can deliver.

"A lot of paperwork is involved, it is a lot more complicated than people might think, but this is for my future and my kids. And it is worth it especially when you get all the feedback about how much people enjoyed things. I do love what I am doing, including singing.

"The bouquet is definitely a shock but it is lovely."