CAREER women who left their jobs to set up a children's nursery have proved it was a "first class" move by scooping a top district business award.

Rose Large and Lyn Breakwell have transformed a disused community centre into a thriving nursery in only two years.

Their efforts in establishing First Class Nursery at the community centre on Lister Road, Kidderminster, have been rewarded with the accolade of Wyre Forest Business Club's Awards 2000 winner.

They were stunned by their success at the ceremony attended by more than 100 people.

Ms Breakwell said: "It was quite unexpected. We've really worked hard to establish the nursery but didn't expect such recognition."

Both took a gamble in setting up the business and leaving their respective careers after 25 years.

Ms Breakwell left her job as a team leader for an insurance company and Mrs Large switched from teaching.

They certainly had their work cut-out attracting children to the neglected community centre.

But they have flourished from a first intake of four to more than 50 children currently attending. They also employ five staff.

Ms Breakwell said: "We both decided to leave the rat race and dedicate ourselves to a labour of love.

"We've transformed the community centre to the point where it is no longer vandalised and people have respect for the premises."

Business club chairman Clem Prothero said the pair had impressed judges with their overall answers to their questions.

She added: "It was a very successful evening. The business club goes from strength to strength.

"We now have more than 100 members and are becoming an important organisation in the community."