This page shows the content of an article published in the Stockport Express on October 13, 2010

Chrissie's a winner, plain and simple

The Plain English campaign has proved it has staying power after its founder scooped a top gong at the Women in Public Life Awards.

Chrissie Maher OBE, from the organisation based in New Mills, was named winner in the public affairs category at a glitzy ceremony at the Northumberland Hotel, London.

But she was unable to attend the bash, held in conjunction with Scottish Widows, because she was stranded by bad weather. Colleague Marie Clair picked up the accolade on her behalf.

Mrs Maher's work for the Plain English Campaign has seen her help edit thousands of government documents to get rid of jargon.

She also worked to lower the error rate for the Post Office's mail redirection service and made the passport application form easier to understand.

But Mrs Maher is worried the current political climate may see these improvements undone.

She said "My greatest fear is that this foundation will be wiped out by the budget cuts needed in the public service.

"We are working with civil servants to hold onto these valuable benefits of using plain English, in the hope that cutting words will help to reduce the need to cut services.