THE founder of a successful nursery chain says she is ‘humbled’ after receiving an OBE.

Clare Roberts, from Lymm, was named on the Queen’s birthday honours list – appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to education.

She first set up Kids Planet Day Nurseries back in 2008 after struggling to find childcare in the area.

Nearly 15 years on, the business now has more than 100 sites across the UK – caring for approximately 11,500 children nationwide – and was last year named on the Sunday Times Profit 100 list.

Warrington Guardian:

And Clare has paid tribute to the hard work of her employees following last night’s announcement that she is to be awarded an OBE.

READ MORE: The 7 Warringtonians named on Queen’s birthday honours list

The chief executive told the Warrington Guardian: “I am honoured and very humbled to have been included on the Queen’s honours list and to be awarded an OBE for services to education, particularly during the Jubilee celebrations.

“I am immensely proud to be part of the early years sector and dedicate this honour to all my colleagues within Kids Planet and the wider industry for the incredible work they do for children each and every day.

Warrington Guardian:

“Such unwavering commitment and professionalism have been even more apparent during the challenges we have all faced over the last two years, as a result of the pandemic.”