A childminder has been recognised for her sterling work with children.

Jackie Deacon, 48, from Newell Avenue, Shoebury, was invited to Downing Street to meet Tony Blair.

She was selected because of her work with the Shoebury Children's Centre and the holiday clubs she runs there.

The accredited network registered childminder said: "He said we should go back as ambassadors and thank everybody on his behalf.

"It is nice to get recognition from somebody so high up."

Jackie enjoyed her day out, especially meeting the flirtatious policeman on the door. However she was surprised how small the nibbles served at the reception were, saying: "No wonder Tony Blair's so slim."