JOAN Elliott's collection of more than 800 handmade bells has earned her a regional award for people making the most of retirement.

The rooms of her bungalow in Valleybrook Grove, Spital, feature a stunning collection that has taken more than 20 years to build and started when a friend bought her a bell back from holiday in Toledo.

It now features bells made from glass and metal from America and Europe.

And on Tuesday, the former occupational therapy manager was named regional winner in the Warner Breaks Laterlife Challenge 2007 after entering an online competiton, earning herself a holiday.

A delighted Joan told the Globe: "I couldn't tell you exactly how many I have at the moment, because I don't go around counting them, But there are more than 800. My friends cannot believe how many there are."

Joan - a district governor for West Kirby Lions Club has formed the Bell collectors of British Isles Club with husband David, a collector of stamps.

Joan, who is in her late 60s, said: "I entered the online competition with the phrase nothing ventured, nothing gained' and never expected to win, so it was a great surprise when I got an email to say that I was one of the best in the region,"

Earlier this year, she gave a presentation at the American Bell Association convention in Chicago and has been invited to give a talk in Denver about bells on both sides of the River Mersey.

Tony Clack, managing director of Laterlife.com said: "The judges were impressed with everything she has been doing and while there were a high number of very strong entries from across the region, the amount of activities Joan manages to fit into her life was impressive.

"She really is a deserving winner and a great model for how to make the most of retirement."

Joan and David would like people with a similar interest in bells to join their club. Email: bellbcbi@aol.com or log onto: hometown.aol.com/bellbcbi/homepage.html