MUMS and dads can nominate their childcarers for prestigious 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, playworker 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 dinner on June 25 where the winners will be announced.

Ann Longfield, chief executive of Kids' Clubs Network, said: "We feel the awards give recognition to the unsung heroes of childcare who support Britain's working mums."

For more information about the excellence awards or to get an entry form, call 020 7522 2100 or visit www.kidsclubs.org.uk