A NURSERY carer has been recognised as the best in the region for her hard work and dedication to children.

Elizabeth Murphy, who works at Ferndale Lodge Nursery, in Elton Parade, Darlington, has been named Children Nursery Carer of the Year for the North-East.

The 30-year-old, from Brinkburn Road, Darlington, beat competition from hundreds of nursery workers to become one of 12 regional winners vying for the national title.

She was nominated by parent Margaret Singer for the exceptional lengths she went to to help care for her daughter, Molly-Rose, whose educational and physical development was uncertain due to brain abnormalities.

Miss Murphy did extra training to help Molly-Rose and showed commitment to her educational and social development.

Mrs Singer said: "Elizabeth has gone beyond her normal nursery duties to ensure continuity of care. Her dedication has resulted in wonderful developments and achievements for Molly-Rose."

Miss Murphy was presented with her winning certificate yesterday by a representative from Nurofen for Children, which ran the competition.

She said: "I thoroughly enjoy my job as a nursery carer and take great pride and pleasure in ensuring that we do all we can to accommodate children of all abilities into nursery.

"There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child develop and grow.

"To be nominated by one of the parents is fantastic. It makes everything we do all the more special to be recognised in this way."

Liz Herring, of Nurofen for Children, said: "Elizabeth was chosen from the hundreds of nomination forms for going that extra step towards helping the children in her care.

"We are delighted to be able to reward her for doing the job she so clearly loves."

The overall national winner will be announced next month.