WINNING the training and Development category at the Business Awards left directors of York Nurseries Ltd overjoyed.

Unable to contain their excitement, directors Heather Langridge and Claire York could only repeat how ‘amazed’ and ‘thrilled’ they were to win.

The award was presented by Blackburn College principal Ian Clinton, whose college sponsored the category, who congratulated the pair’s efforts over the last five years.

Founded in 2006, York Nurseries Ltd, is based at a grade II listed manor house and single storey building opposite Towneley Park, Burnley, and in a short space of time the bosses have turned it into a centre of excellence.

Heather said: “We are amazed and thrilled, we are just absolutely thrilled. We have worked really, really hard.”

Although they have increased their intake by 40 per cent, their work does not stop at providing care facilities for 120 children between birth and 12 years old. With Claire qualified to an NVQ Level Four in childcare, she goes out to other nurseries to ensure high standards of care and training are undertaken in all centres.

Their success and commitment to training has also helped York Nurseries Ltd to be chosen to take part in a flagship Every Child A Talker programme.

Claire said: “We believe in training and I am trained to go in to and help other nurseries and their staff. We are just thrilled.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “It is hugely important to give businesses recognition.

“In East Lancashire we don’t champion our business success enough.

“We have some phenomenal firms doing really great, innovative, cutting edge work and we really need to bang the drum for those businesses.

“Most of the firms here get on with the graft and we need nights like this to showcase what our area does and what we contribute to the wider economy.”