WEST Devon children's charity CHICKS is celebrating after its chief executive was announced as winner of a national award.

Elanor Hoskin, who has been chief executive of CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) since 2011, won the Third Sector Excellence award for rising chief executive at an award ceremony in London. The award recognises and celebrates achievement within the charitable sector.

Elanor, who has risen up to become chief executive at the age of 37, was thrilled to win the award and said: 'I thank all the team here at CHICKS for the support and hard work over the past two years. I am delighted to have won the Third Sector Excellence award for Rising Chief Executive, but I wouldn't have managed it without my fantastic team.'

Elanor is passionate about the work of the charity and its activities supporting disadvantaged children; many more of whom are being pushed further into poverty due to the difficult economic climate.

She works to drive the organisation forward so that as many of these children as possible have the opportunity of new experiences and the chance of a childhood.

The introduction of a new performance management system making CHICKS a 'great place to work' as well as the new Christmas camps for disadvantaged children who would otherwise miss out, impressed the judges.

Rowena Lewis, director of fundraising and supporter relations at Gingerbread, said: 'Elanor impressed with her personal passion and drive for her charity's work. She has also demonstrated versatility.'

l To find out more about CHICKS, visit http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk or call 01822 811020.