WEST Devon Children's charity CHICKS' chief executive has been shortlisted for the 'Rising CEO Star' award at the Third Sector Excellence Awards.

Elanor Hoskin, who has been the chief executive of CHICKS since 2011, has been shortlisted for this award in recognition of the hard work she has put into the charity during her time there.

Elanor, who did not go to university and who has risen up through the sector to become chief executive at the age of 37, 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 tirelessly 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.

Elanor said: 'I am delighted to have been shortlisted for such a well known national award and thrilled to celebrate such an achievement with everyone across the charity.

'I have loved every minute of being CEO and it is with credit to the whole team that we are able to support 1,200 children a year with the life changing experience of a free break.'