THE founder of a children’s activities centre said she was ‘overwhelmed’ when she was presented with a prestigious award.

Hayley Azzopardi, founder of Sensory Time in Brent Knoll, was judged to be the Most Inspiring Business Parent of the Year at the Mum and Working awards in London on March 6.

The mother-of-four set up the business in 2015 and hosts sensory classes for babies and toddlers across the South West at venues in Taunton, Wellington and Burnham-on-Sea.

Speaking after the awards, Hayley said: “It was an overwhelming experience to be acknowledged for my efforts through all obstacles of a working mother of four, being self employed and a student.

“For me this award isn’t to say how amazing I am, but is proof to others that no matter what life throws at you, anything is possible if you work hard enough for it.

“These Mum and Working awards were all about flexibility and how finding the right balance is crucial when you are a working parent with other commitments.

“As a working mum myself, I understand and can empathise with other parents with regards to other commitments.”

Hayley also praised her colleague Kirsty Rayner, manager of Sensory Time, who was a finalist in The Flexible Employee/Team Member of the Year category.

“I am so proud of Kirsty, her passion and dedication for children goes above and beyond,” Hayley said.

Kirsty said being nominated for the award was “an absolute honor” and said it was great for the business to be recognised.

“To be nominated for Mum And Working prestigious awards was an absolute honour,” Kirsty said.

“To be recognised for our dedication as a small business against both franchises and international companies is such an achievement.

“Our passion is to promote quality early childhood experiences where children are engaged in learning through play.

“To be nominated for Flexible Employee of the Year demonstrates our ability to offer a flexible working environment for working mothers in which both the company and its employees can make a valuable contribution to the early childhood industry.

“Our academy provides high quality training for individuals looking for a non franchise position in which they work around their current commitments.”