A DORSET County Council child care worker has received parliamentary recognition.

Sharon Clare, who has worked in a Dorchester children’s home for nine years, was presented with an award from children’s minister Tim Loughton at the Houses of Parliament.

The presentation was part of the launch of a new Charter for Children’s Home aimed at improving standards.

Sharon said: “I was very pleased to receive this award.

“I’m happy that the children I work with feel I support them and it was great to have acknowledgement for all the hard work we all, as carers, do in children’s residential homes.”

Kennedy, 16, was one of the youngsters who nominated Sharon for the award. He said: “No matter how much trouble I’m in or how much I ask her to do, Sharon is always there to count on. She never complains or moans how big the job is and she’ll put in 200 per cent to make sure it’s done quickly. Sharon also attended my parents evening when my mum couldn’t. She deserves this more than anyone else.”

Children’s services manager Stuart Riddle added: “We all too often only hear bad news about life in children’s homes. This award is a reminder that there are committed staff in children’s homes and yo