Ann Ellis has worked for 25 years to build up the David Nicholas Nursery Centre and ensure that it continues to provide the best of care for the children of Merton’s teachers while they are at work.

She has been described by her employees as sunny, bright, caring and very hardworking.

When told that she was nominated for the Community award category, she was completely surprised. She said: “I am delighted that someone took the time to think of nominating me.”

“When I started this nursery 25 years ago, we had just arrived with a roof full of cardboard boxes.

"From there we have set up and established a well-used and well thought of nursery for the employees of the London Borough of Merton, which has enabled parents of very young children to go back to work and feel happy and secure that their children are in very good care.”

Although the David Nicholas Nursery Centre in Mitcham is set to close for relocation in July, Ms Ellis still carries good memories from her time as manager.

She said: “There have been a lot [of good memories), with a good staff team and really supportive parents where everyone is like an extended family for all of our children.

"That was how we always wanted to run the setting, and I feel like we have achieved that goal, with families that still come back with their second and third children.

“I feel that I should be proud of what I have achieved in 25 years and what my staff have achieved and what we have provided for the children we have looked after.”

This year’s Merton Community Awards, previously known as the Merton Civic Awards, launched on Thursday, May 5. It is run by this newspaper in association with Merton Council.

Nominate someone by voting online or fill out a form in the Wimbledon Guardian newspaper.