A BURNHAM mother-of-four is celebrating after beating off entries from four counties to be crowned the South-West Carer of the Year.

Sarah Stacey, from Wordsworth Drive, has been a foster carer with Somerset County Council for four years, looking after 21 children as well as her own.

She was entered into a competition organised by Reed Social Care and nominated for the award by her social worker, Rocio Cantero.

Rocio told the Weekly News: “Sarah's hard work, flexibility and passion for achieving the children's best interest is recognised and really appreciated.

“Her ability to set boundaries is excellent and she strongly feels that every child is unique and adapts the discipline methods in a way that the children don't perceive as unfair, which is not always easy.”

As well as being a busy mum and foster carer Sarah also sits on the North Somerset Adoption Panel and is working towards a NVQ in childcare.

She was presented with her award and prizes at her home this week, including £100 in restaurant vouchers.

Sarah will now go up against other regional entries at the National Carer of the Year awards at in London this September.

Mark Oswald Reed area manager, added: “It's evident that Sarah is a fantastic foster carer who provides everything possible for the children she looks after.

“Sarah goes that extra mile to provide a welcoming environment and is a thoroughly deserving winner for Reed Carer of the Year in the South West.”