Helpful, caring and lovable are just three of the reasons why Blanche Burchall is a very special mother.

And yesterday the 44-year-old teaching assistant from Cove Valley Lane, St.

David's, was named Mother of the Year by the Continental Society of Bermuda.

Mrs. Burchall was honoured after her son Derek, nine-years-old, entered an essay competition organised by the society explaining why he thought his mother was so special.

Picking up the award, a tearful Mrs. Burchall said: "Derek doesn't like to write but when he does write he writes from the heart.

"I would like to thank the Continental Society for having this kind of occasion and also thank them for what they give to young people by encouraging them to write.

"Today I also want to give God praise for, if it was not for him at my side, I would not be able to train my children.'' Mrs. Burchall also thanked the principle and Derek's teacher at the East End primary school.

She was presented with a number of gifts donated by the event's sponsors, including several weekend breaks in some of the Island's hotels, books, a painting and gold chain.

Derek also picked up a trophy and a free pizza meal for him and all his classmates.

In his essay, Derek wrote: "My mother is a helpful, caring, lovable, religious woman. She is a good listener. She listens to me, my family and others who have problems. She preaches at churches, sings at weddings and funerals, yet finds time to clean the house, feeds her family, watches over us and prays with us.

"My mother takes me to the beach sometimes. We stop to get a bite to eat and talk about things that may be bothering me. This is our special time together.

I feel so happy when I'm with my mother. I know that I am loved. When I have bad dreams she helps me to go back to sleep. Her voice is like hot milk -- it makes me go to sleep.

"My mom is very thoughtful. Once our house had seven people in it because my mom took in a family in need. It was kind of rough but she made things happen and everything was easier. She made everyone feel loved. We all knew that we could count on her.

"Once, when Mama Edie passed away, my mom explained that she went to be with the Lord. This was a hard time for me but my mom explained things so well that I understood.'' "She is still missing her mother but she prays all the time so that she could know that Mama Edie's soul has gone to a better place.

"Her cooking makes me stronger. She cooks macaroni and hamburger with cheese, chicken, fettucine and cakes. She packs some good lunches, like bologna sandwiches, cheese sandwiches and bananas, apples and kiwi. My two cousins like her food too. When their mom was away in hospital they stayed with me.

They loved everything my mom cooked.

"When I think of my mom I think of all the letters of her name. B is for the best mother in the world. L is for loving and putting up with me. A is for always being there for me. N is for not giving up when things go wrong. C is for caring not only for me but for others. H is for helping me to get closer to God because he is my father in Christ. E is for being extremely lovable and patient.''