A MUM-OF-TWO is celebrating after reaching the final stages of a coveted awards scheme after being nominated by parents of her Hadleigh toddler group.

Claire Ostermeyer, 33, originally from Benfleet, was shocked when parents of the Safari Tots Toddler Group nominated her for two Netmums awards.

Mrs Ostermeyer, who has been running the popular group for two years at the Hadleigh Old Fire Station, is now in the finals of the national competition.

She has been nominated for the best activity leader and best local activity for the under-fives award, and is hoping she will be able to gear up enough votes to take her all the way to the final at Drayton Manor Park later this year.

Mrs Ostermeyer, who is mum to Owen, four, and Harry, two, said: “It would be really amazing to win either of the awards.

“It is something I would love to happen but I’m not expecting it, getting this far is amazing enough.

“It is just good to be involved, but it would be good for my business, so I just need the votes. But even if I don’t win, I’m happy. I get so much good feedback anyway.”

The classes are held every Tuesday and Mrs Ostermeyer also organises different events such as puppet shows and pop-up parties on Sundays.

She added: “I don’t do structured classes, instead it’s free play sessions so the kids can do what they want, and they love it.

“It’s just a really happy place to be, my own boys love it. I asked them two weeks ago if they were bored by it but they love it.”

For more information on how to vote, visit www.netmums.com