Sharon Birch worked as a police officer for 20 years before she left and took over the Footprints (Learning for Life) Nursery in Hartlepool.

The Tees Street nursery has just won the Investors in People Award after gaining top marks for staffing practices.

Sharon, the nursery's owner and manager, runs the financial side of the business.

She said: "When I came in there were 12 staff and now we have got 24 and we have 90 plus children registered, whereas we had 53 before."

The nursery has children aged up to eight years.

Sharon, 41, bought the business after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2004 and had to leave Cleveland Police.

She explained that the syndrome meant her internal ligaments had slackened.

Sharon added: ''I dislocate my big toe almost every time that I take my shoe off.

"I didn't want to just sit at home so took over the nursery."
Sharon, of Seaton Carew, puts her success down to valuing staff and team effort.

She said: "I want happy staff so I listen to them and see how I can make their lives better.

"It's about making them feel valued for their skills."