A NURSE who set up a project to help mums with learning difficulties, has won a top award.

Lorraine Regan, who works for Oxleas NHS Trust, has been crowned learning disability nurse of the year at the annual Nursing Standard nurse awards.

Part of the Bexley learning disability team, Miss Regan is based at the Erith centre, Park Crescent, and was selected from hundreds of nurses nationwide for the award.

The group she set up helps women with mild learning disabilities, whose children are the subject of care orders, to care for their families at home.

The group offers the women support, help to learn the skills they need to look after their children and a safe environment where they can share their parenting experiences.

Miss Regan said she spotted a need and tried to fill it. "These women needed some specialist input but were not eligible for our services because our team is not resourced to work with people with a mild learning disability," she explained.

But she admitted to being a little overwhelmed by the award. She said: "I am obviously very flattered to have won.

"But like most nurses, I find the whole thing a little strange as, at the end of the day, all I was doing was my job."

Commenting on the award, Oxleas director of nursing Sally Thompson said: "Lorraine's work, which has helped to keep children with their mothers, is a great accomplishment."

Miss Regan picked up her award at a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel.