Childminder Vanessa Pettitt says she learns something new every day in her job and it is all down to the children she cares for.

For the past 25 years Vanessa has worked as a childminder and cannot imagine a day when she does not work with children.

"I amazed myself when I realised it was going to be 25 years this year since I started.

"Children have always been a big part of my life. I actually started childminding before I had children of my own.

"You learn from children all the time. They are amazing. The under fives are tremendous because everything is new to them."

Vanessa, 51, who lives in Woodside, was first registered as a childminder in 1981. She says the childcare industry has gone through rapid changes and there are now more rules and regulations governing the profession, ensuring parents know that when they leave their children they are being cared for in a safe and secure environment.

She believes the Childcare Star awards are an important way of recognising the work of childcare professionals.