An experienced professional working in a nursery nurse job has been named as one of three finalists in the National Day Nurseries Association Nursery Practitioner of the Year awards.

Jenny Carlton, a nursery nurse at Cheshire's Stepping Stones Nursery, is hoping to win the competition - but is also thankful to have grabbed a place in the final three.

According to British Business Finder, Carlton has been nicknamed 'Mary Poppins' by the parents of her customers, who actually nominated her for the award.

She spoke to This is Cheshire about her delight upon hearing she had been shortlisted. Carlton proclaimed: "It was a huge shock when I got a call to say that I had reached the finals. I love my job and working with all the children."

"I am pleased this has come through so clearly to the parents. I'm thrilled that my everyday work is so appreciated by children and parents, and would like to thank all the parents who took the time to nominate me."

Some of the kind words spoken by Carlton's customer's parents were also made public, with one claiming: "Jenny is the sunshine in our pre-school world", and another stating: "My daughter wants to be like Jenny when she grows up."

Furthermore, the chief executive of the awards, Prunima Tanuku, praised Carlton for getting to the final three; adding: "Getting to the finals is a real achievement in itself."

"Jenny has done extremely well to stand out amongst the thousands of outstanding entries we received from delighted parents all around the country."