A SPA businesswoman has been chosen as Worcestershire Woman of the Year.

Esther Ruggiero, who lives in Droitwich, was announced the winner of the Business category at an awards ceremony, which was held in Malvern last Wednesday.

The awards, which are organised by St Richard's Hospice, recognise outstanding Worcestershire women who make a real contribution in their chosen work.

Esther, who runs Train 4 Security based on the Nu-Way Industrial Estate, with her husband Phil, employs 23 people, with projected company turnover set for £1.1m this year.

They deliver courses to raise the standards of the private security industry and have gone from strength to strength since being set up in 1999.

Esther is also studying for a full-time degree in IT for Education and Training at University College Worcester.

Mum-of-three Esther said: "I am absolutely delighted to have won such a prestigious award. It really means such a lot to me to have won the support and praise of the panel of judges and I intend to put the title of Worcestershire Woman of the Year to very good use!

"As a businesswoman, a student and a mother, I reap many rewards. During my year I hope I can inspire others to fulfil their potential.

"Since being awarded the title, I have already sponsored much needed equipment for the Worcestershire Woman of the Year Award room at the hospice."

Now Esther has arranged Droitwich Spa Ladies' Lunch at Rossini's on Worcester Road, on Wednesday, July 20.

Tickets are £15 with £5 going to the hospice. They are available from Train 4 Security on 01905 797988 or Rossini's direct.

A representative from St Richard's will be on hand to talk about its work.