CORNMEADOW Early Years and Families was named Early Years provider of the year.

Lorraine Deeprose, who set up the organisation was said to be a truly dedicated early years educator.

She has been involved within the early years sector for over 20 years.

The nominations talked about how dedicated she was to the children, often spending 12 hours a day at the setting every day of the week.

She has put together a strong dedicated team to work with her and also supports the next generation of early years professionals, mentoring students.

The children within the setting enjoy high levels of achievement and are well supported with their transition to schools.

Having operated in a church hall for years, she found a building in Checketts Lane and, with the backing of her family, create a purpose-built nursery and forest school.

One family said it was “fabulous”.

Lorraine Deeprose said: “I am over the moon. I was really overwhelmed.

“It’s a team effort at Cornmeadow but we’ve had such an exciting year with getting outstanding from Ofsted for the first time and this was the icing on the cake.

“To be recognised in Worcestershire as an outstanding setting was brilliant, especially alongside so many other worthy people.

“The event was absolutely brilliant. The guest speaker was so inspiring.

“I was sat with teachers from Pershore High School and they were so wonderful. I listened to them so passionate about their jobs and that’s all you want for the children.

“Well done to the Worcester News for putting this together.”

The runners up were Avril Aldous, of Mucky Munchkins, and Sunbeams, pre-school.

Avril Aldous was said to have boundless enthusiasm while Louise Green and her staff, at Sunbeams, had created a nurturing environment.