THREE dedicated women have been recognised for their exceptional and inspirational work with young people and have been awarded West Devon Play workers of the Year 2011.

Sally Powell, Sue Doidge and Vicki Lloyd have been honoured by the West Devon Play Forum in partnership with West Devon Borough Council for their service to the borough. The play forum has been providing play opportunities in West Devon and promoting the creative and educational importance of play for almost three years.

West Devon Borough Councillor Mandy Ewings, chair of the play forum, said: 'Play workers such as Sally, Sue and Viki are worth their weight in gold and make a real difference to the lives of the children they work with. These awards recognise the positive impact that they make to our communities. 

'There are so many dedicated play workers who do such great work, but the contributions of these ladies stood out. The play forum committee is very proud to honour their achievements.'

Sally Powell, who manages Treetops nursery in Bridestowe, won the award for outstanding work with children under five. Sally is key in developing new talent in play working by inspiring and encouraging her staff and other play workers to pursue formal training in the form of NVQ3 qualifications. The A-level equivalent vocational qualifications are demanding, but most of Sally's staff have completed them with her help.

Sally personally provided play opportunities for more than 2000 children this last year, always keeping affordability at the forefront of her mind and in the minds of others. 

Okehampton-based Sue Doidge won the award for outstanding work with children under the age of 12. Colleagues note that she always makes time and space for everybody and goes above and beyond in her work with West Devon children.

Sue runs the Okehampton Community Recreation Association's holiday clubs, delivering diverse activities for up to 100 children a day. She is exceptionally skilled at listening to and communicating with parents and guardians. Sue inspires new modes of play at home and develops personalised play solutions for children to build confidence, enable learning and encourage creative thinking.

Vicki Lloyd, of Tavistock Youth Café, has worked tirelessly to provide young people older than 12 with support for accessing positive recreational activities. Just one of her many achievements saw Vicki facilitating the development of the Tavy Trails cycle track for the young people of Tavistock and other local riders. She supported young people in raising more than £30,000 to build the trails to give local riders a safe, purpose built place to ride.

The trails have had a positive impact in reducing anti-social behaviour and 'nuisance riders' in local housing estates and in the town. Vicki is now using her wealth of knowledge and experience to consult on the building of a new skate park for Bere Alston.

This month Gill Till succeeds Emma Gorbutt as West Devon Borough Council's children and young people officer. Emma has served West Devon for four years. During her time at the council Emma has been creative and committed in her work championing play opportunities for young people and supporting communities to do the same.

Cllr Ewings said: 'Emma has been a true advocate for West Devon through her work for play. The £200,000 Big Lottery Fund project which Emma managed gave opportunities for 3,500 young people to experience differing types of play and created many new friendships for all those involved.

'Emma's passion for delivering good quality play opportunities across West Devon inspires young people and adults to become more involved and to want to be trained as play leaders. Emma has made a huge contribution towards promoting the value of play in people's lives.'

Gill added: 'We're currently planning the next annual West Devon Play Directory. The directory lists play opportunities and activities available during school holidays and is always really popular with children, young people and their guardians. It's committed play workers such as Sally, Sue and Viki who make these opportunities happen and improve the health, education and happiness of West Devon's younger generation.'

For further information about West Devon Play Forum or to submit your event for inclusion in the West Devon Play Directory, contact Gill Till on 01822 813636 or email [email protected]">[email protected]