SWINDON'S mayor has presented a host of awards to some of the best-qualified childcare workers in town.

Coun David Cox presented certificates to some 50 childcare workers who have achieved NVQ, HNC and Quality Assurance qualifications.

The reception, at the council chamber in Euclid Street, was held to recognise the people who run the borough's playgroups, out of school clubs and nurseries.

Mandy Smith, the council's Early Years Partnership manager, said: "The education and care of children is very demanding and requires a highly skilled and well trained workforce.

"Training opportunities for early years workers have never been so good, and with such a well-qualified and well-trained workforce, we can assure parents and carers that children in Swindon are receiving the highest quality early years education and childcare."