TWO early years professionals from Somerset have made it to the finals of the the annual Nursery World Awards.

Rachel Parish and Rebecca Lihou were both nominated by the Early Years Team at Somerset County Council for their dedication to the children and the families they work with.

Rachel and Rebecca’s nominations are supported by heartfelt testimonies by parents as well as colleagues from early years in the county.

Rachel is the manager of The Willow Set Pre-school, Sun Up and Sun Down Club and Moor Fun Club which are all based at Stoke St Gregory Primary School.

All three provisions give parents living in a rural community the opportunity to return to work or take up training as well as giving children the best play and learning environments.

Rachel is one of four finalists in the individual category for Outstanding Contribution.

Rebecca Lihou is a registered childminder and also the Lead Childminder for Yeovil.

As Lead Childminder she organises network meetings and she supports both new and existing childminders to keep up to date with changes in legislation and in practice.

This is all in addition to her normal duties of running her own childminding business.

She is one of four finalists in the individual category for Childminder of the Year.

Somerset's cabinet member for Children and Families, Frances Nicholson said: “Both Rachel and Rebecca were nominated because they go above and beyond their normal duties as early years providers.

"Both have contributed so much to their profession and make sure the voice of the early years is heard at local authority meetings.

“I’m sure the children and parents they work with are all just as proud as we are and I wish them both all the best at the award ceremony in London.”