Award is child's play for Lyndsey

Lyndsey Ruddy from Avondale Green in the town was presented with the Most Promising First Year Apprentice at a gala awards ceremony in Belfast.

The 23-year-old has been working in the Pineview Nursery for almost four years having joined as an assistant she is now the deputy manager.

Lyndsey is studying for an apprenticeship in childcare at the Banbridge campus of the Southern Regional College.

There are over 10,000 apprentices in training in Northern Ireland, the Apprentice of the Year competition is open to those currently on the Department for Employment and Learning’s apprenticeship programmes and showcases excellence in apprenticeship training.

Lyndsey said: "The course has improved my confidence it is a good government-backed scheme - and I don't have to pay for it, which is a bonus.

"I absolutely love working with children, it's a great job and I have always wanted to do it. I began working as an assistant before moving up to management which has been challenging but I have been supported by all the staff and the nursery manager Ann - without her I would not be doing the course or have won this award."

Ann Denise has been manager at the family run nursery for over a year, she appointed Lyndsey as deputy manager.

She said: "Lyndsey is a committed no-nonsense straight talking dedicated individual.

"She has blossomed since she took the post and works very hard, we have a very happy working environment at the nursery and all of us get on so well together."