Child Carer of the Year won by grandmother

GRANDMOTHER Carolyn Ferbrache got the shock her life yesterday when she was named Lloyds TSB Child Carer of the Year – while having a bar meal.

The 50-year-old was enjoying a pub lunch with her family, who were in on announcement, when the competition judges arrived to present her with flowers, a £500 cheque for herself and a £500 cheque for a charity of her choice.

'I was so surprised,' she said. 'I had no idea. I'm just gobsmacked.'

Mrs Ferbrache was nominated by close family friend Richard Roberts.

She started working at a playschool 19 years ago and then undertook her City and Guilds in childcare. She then became a childminder, while raising her three children – Corinne, 28, Hannah, 26 and Adam, 23.