Vicky won the accolade at the north regional final of Anchor Trust's Care Service Awards.

She was recognised for turning round the Anchor Care branch in Morley in four months; staff and the older people they care for in their own homes noticed huge improvements in the service.

Vicky's positive impact was reflected in a report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection which gave Anchor Care Leeds a good star rating.

Vicky, 35, began caring for her disabled mother when she was eight, meaning she could attend school only two days a week.

Despite this she passed seven GCSEs with flying colours.

She said: "I feel very honoured and a bit shocked to have won this award.

"I've been a carer for 13 years but I really started caring when I was looking after my mum. It was really hard work but I brought a lot of what I learnt from that to this job.

"From a very early age, I had to be organised, making sure the bills were paid, the shopping was done and life for my mum ran smoothly. Going to school was an opportunity to have a bit of normality in my life although my social life was restricted."

Vicky lives with husband, Peter, and daughters Charlotte, 10, Katie, two, and Rebecca, one, in Cleckheaton.

Senior co-ordinator Amanda Whelan, who nominated Vicky, said: "She really deserves this award as over a short space of time she has motivated the staff and created a better working environment which means the people we care for are getting the best service possible."

Vicky will now face other regional finalists in the national finals at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire on July 16.