A mum-of-two who runs a kids’ arts and crafts centre in Stevenage has won a national award voted for by her peers across the UK.

Nicole Norman, owner of the town’s branch of the Creation Station, received the People’s Choice award at the firm’s national conference after she won a poll of franchise owners on who had given the most assistance to other branches.

The Creation Station offers arts and craft sessions, activities and such for kids from the age of five months up to 11 years, with painting, printing and much more on offer during pre-school age classes through the week, parties at the weekend, and extra sessions in the school holidays.

“The 100 franchises around the country have an online support network to help each other out – that’s how we connect,” said Nicole.

“I’m there to answer questions, I keep in contact with people, I’ve worked with others when we’ve done joint events and things at schools.

“We all voted for each other – seven were nominated and I won.

“I never won anything like this before, but I was runner-up for the same award two years ago.

“I am delighted to won the award, it is so special to be recognised like this by my fellow franchisees from all over the country.”

Nicole, who lives in Welwyn and has over two decades’ experience working with small children, set up the Stevenage Creation Station two years ago.

“I was a primary school teacher for 25 years in Hatfield, and I was ready for a new challenge,” she said.

“I love being creative and I loved working with children, and this just seemed to marry the two together perfectly.

“I found the franchise opportunity, I went for the training and just threw myself into it.

“My two teenage boys are the muscles of the operation. I’ve got lots of heavy boxes and clay, and they help with the classes.

“The best part is the parents and other grown-ups work with the children and have fun too.”

Sarah Cressall, the Creation Station’s founder and managing director, said: “I am very proud of all our network, so judging the awards is really tough.

“Each year our franchise owners are becoming more and more successful, and the calibre is really high.”

For more information see thecreationstation.co.uk.