A Warminster woman is one of the first in Wiltshire to be awarded an NVQ Level 3 certificate in caring for children and young people.

Elaine Snook joined Wiltshire County Council's social services staff to receive her certificate in Devizes last week.

All the staff are involved in caring for children, elderly or people with disabilities, and come from a range of backgrounds, including residential care staff and family support workers.

Mrs Snook is a foster carer who completed her certificate in record time. She said: "I really enjoyed doing the course and it is proving to be a great help to me. It has helped me realise the care we provide as a family.

"I would urge people to consider becoming foster parents, it really is very rewarding and help and support is always available through initiatives such as the NVQ certificates and other training."

Mrs Snook has now become an assessor for NVQs and is training to become an internal verifier to support other assessors.

Rebekah Pearson, placement development officer, for Wiltshire County Council said: "We are delighted to be holding this and anticipate it be an annual event as we embark on the next wave of NVQ programmes."