MUMS and dads can nominate their childcarers for awards recognising excellence.

Children's charity Kids' Clubs Network, which has launched the Excellence in Childcare Awards 2002, is offering prizes worth up to £3,000 in five different categories.

The five awards include childcarer of the year, play worker of the year, childminder of the year, baby nursery worker of the year and most creative activity programme.

Finalists will be invited to a star-studded gala on June 25 for an award ceremony.

Ann Longfield, chief executive of Kids' Clubs Network, said: "The awards recognise unsung heroes of childcare who support Britain's working mums." For an entry form, call 020 7522 2100 or visit www.kidsclubs.org.uk