MORE than 100 childcare workers and their families gathered at the Wyvern Theatre for an awards ceremony.

Swindon Council's Early Years Partnership arranged the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of staff who secured childcare qualifications last year. Deputy mayor Coun Derek Benfield presented Awards of Achievement to workers who earned certificates in courses such as playwork, childminding and NVQ early years care.

Coun Benfield said: "I had a really enjoyable evening, meeting some interesting people who contribute an awful lot to the town. I am delighted that we have such a successful early years department because it gets children on the right road for life."