A NORTH Yorkshire woman has been awarded the prestigious title of Childminder Of The Year.

Jane Fisher, 46, of Boroughbridge, was selected from hundreds of childminders across the country for the award.

Jane, who grew up in Wigginton, York, has been doing the job for eight years and was thrilled to be given the accolade.

She said: "It was absolutely fantastic for me, it is a recognition that eminent child care professionals in the country believe what I do is good practice."

The Excellence In Childcare Awards, organised by Kids Club Network and sponsored by SureStart, saw Jane presented with £1,000 by Baroness Cathy Ashton, Minister for SureStart, at a ceremony in London.

Jane is now working towards becoming an accredited childminder on the first North Yorkshire Accredited Childminder Network, which enables childminders to offer three and four-year-olds early education places.

Coun Chris Metcalfe, the executive member for education at North Yorkshire County Council, said: "This award reflects Jane's professionalism and commitment to delivering the highest quality childcare."

Updated: 10:58 Thursday, July 31, 2003