THE CEO of a nursery group with a site in Knutsford has become the first woman to win a prestigious business award.

Jennie Johnson, founder of Kids Allowed, picked up the CEO of the Year award at the UK Private Business Awards 2017.

Jennie, who was awarded an MBE for services to apprenticeships last year, set up the childcare chain in 2003, with five centres now running and another set to open in March.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award, a real honour.

“After being unable to find what I needed in childcare 14 years ago and a determination to create it, I am so proud that my vision became a reality and Kids Allowed not only makes a huge difference to thousands of children every year, but that our commitment to our colleagues means we have a wonderful team who inspire me every day. I couldn’t be happier.

“I am equally thrilled that Kids Allowed has been awarded Nursery Group of the Year. Our colleagues are absolutely dedicated to the job they do and it is wonderful that their commitment and genuine passion have been recognised in this way.”

The awards ceremony in London was hosted by ITN Presenter Nina Hossain.

In a fruitful month, Kids Allowed also won Nursery Group of the Year at the Nursery Worlds Awards.