A NURSERY in Whitchurch has been recognised for the quality of food on offer for children after winning a national award.

Whitchurch Pre-school Nursery won the Nursery Food Recognition Award at the National Nursery Awards, held in Leicester on January 18.

The nursery, based in Shakespeare Way on Whitchurch Business Park, was one of seven nurseries around the country to be shortlisted for the award.

After a section of public voting, the final decision was made judges panel, who decided the Whitchurch nursery was pick of the bunch.

The mastermind behind the award win is Sue Walker, the head of catering who joined the nursery in July 2016, having been involved with the nursery from 2014 as a parent.

Sue was joined by nursery owner Julie Allmark, along with other members of staff at the glitzy awards ceremony at the Athena Theatre in Leicester.

"Seven different nurseries were nominated for the award," said Sue "And we are the ones that came out on top.

"I'm delighted, I'd like to thank everyone who voted for us. I like to think I'm good at my job but this really highlights that.

"Eight of us went down to Leicester and we had a champagne reception and a three course meal, which was really nice.

"During the awards they read out the nominees from each category, before announcing the runner up.

"Then they announced the winner, we had no idea it was us. We went up on stage and received the trophy and a certificate.

"The lady asked a couple of questions and Julie the boss made a speech and thanked me, and I thanked the staff.

"It was a great moment, really good. I'm very, very happy, it was quite a good evening.