A MOTHER from north Durham has received special praise for the work she does in her local Sure Start Children’s Centre.

Vicky Vitali is urging others to join her and reap the rewards of volunteering after staff at Benfieldside Children’s Centre, near Consett, referred to her as their ‘little gem.’ The mother-of-four helps to run messy play and wriggle and giggle sessions at the centre on Moorlands and has been a volunteer for three years.

Sarah Miller, centre co-ordinator, said: "Vicky works so hard every week on the preparation and delivery of groups and she really deserves some recognition for the work she puts in, she’s great, a little gem."

Lesley Maltby, principal family worker, added: "I’d just like to say what a fantastic and dedicated job Vicky is doing and how much the families appreciate everything she does for the group."

Vicky, from Blackhill, near Consett, is mum to Richie, four, Kyle, eight, Zoe, ten, and Lizzie 17.

The 36-year-old has also been heavily involved in the SAIF (Support, Action, Information and Fun) group which is a support group for parents and carers of children with disabilities and special needs.

She said: "I love working with the staff at Benfieldside Children’s Centre and it’s nice to see children getting so much out of the sessions."

Vicky’s sessions run on a Friday afternoon with Wriggle and Giggle from 1pm-2pm and Messy Play straight afterwards between 2pm-3pm.

For more information on the sessions or how to become involved, call into the centre or telephone 01207-590-065.