Two childcare workers have won an award for inspirational women.

Amy Parrotte and Emily Owen, of Pitter Patter Day Nursery in Llanidloes, were awarded the Leaders of the Year trophy at the Welsh Women’s Awards, a celebration of females who have excelled at the forefront of their industries.

Amy and Emily received the accolade at a ceremony at Cardiff’s Exchange Hotel where women were provided a platform to thank and recognise their efforts to deal with society’s most pressing problems.

The award judges were impressed with how Amy and Emily managed to stand out among the rest in their profession.

Amy is in charge of Pitter Patter, a successful day nursery in Llanidloes that employs 15 people, a business that began five years ago when she was 24 years old. She’s “thrilled” to have won the award and that “all the hard work was worth it”.

Amy said: “We really did not expect to win as we come from such a rural area, up against such inspirational women from larger places.

“We were thrilled to have won and would like to thank all the staff, our friends and family who have supported us throughout or time in our roles within Pitter Patter.”

She added: “We love our job and the smiles, memories and laughter from all the children make all the hard work we do each day worth it.”

A Welsh Women’s Awards 2019 spokesperson said:”We are delighted to have acknowledged successful women from across Wales who have managed to stand out among the rest in their profession. It is a pleasure to see that empowered women, empower women and this memorable ceremony highlighted exactly that.

“We hope that The Welsh Women’s Awards provided a platform to encourage women at all ages to achieve their goals and spread the message that women can be successful leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers, scientists and CEOs.

“The awards showcased examples of courage, passion, skill, commitment and success that every woman has, and we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their impeccable achievements.”