A CLERGYWOMAN has received a top award for devoting her life to helping others.

Rosemarie Heimer, 61, who works on Teesside, has received one of Germany's top honours - the Cross of the Order of Merit.

For hundreds of home-sick and tired seafarers docking at Teesport, her beaming face has been the first sign of welcome and reassurance for the past 22 years.

Mrs Heimer, the seamen's mission pastor, said: "I was really surprised. I did not know anything about it.

"I am more concerned for the well-being of those I look after, but I am very pleased for everyone at the mission because we all work very closely."

The chairwoman of the German Seamen's Mission in Britain, Lutheran Mrs Heimer said: " Someone must have put my name forward - I think it was the ambassador himself.

"Meeting all different people from all walks of life and a lot of nationalities, is very interesting.

"As for what I get back from the job - when people are happy to see me and when I can be of help, that is all the reward I need.''

Mrs Heimer, who lives in Middlesbrough, was presented with her medal by Germany's ambassador to Britain, Hans-Friedrich von Ploetz, on behalf of Federal President Johannes Rau.

Herr von Ploetz told her: "Your life is an example to us all on how a committed citizen should act in our modern society, where solidarity is at a premium.

"Everything you do is characterised by such great readiness to help human beings in word and deed."

Mrs Heimer said she will consider retiring when she reaches 65.