A GRANDMOTHER who goes swimming every lunchtime has shone out as the best secretary in Worcestershire in a county-wide awards scheme.

Eileen Austin impressed judges with her enthusiasm and organisational skills at the inaugural Secretary of the Year awards, held at historic Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich.

Described as a "godsend", Mrs Austin also gained praise for her commitment and willingness to ''go the extra mile'' as personal assistant to the managing director of TP Activity Toys, in Stourport-on-Severn.

Mrs Austin was one of six finalists recognised at Thursday's glittering awards ceremony, which was the culmination of a three-month search for the county's secretarial stars.

More than 100 people enjoyed champagne and canapes and applauded the six finalists as they stepped up to the podium to take a bow and collect their bouquets, before the winner and runner-up were announced.

In second place was Nicky Robbins, aged 30, from housing association Rooftop Housing Group, in Evesham, whose boss described her as "the best personal assistant I have ever had".

Louise Hewett, managing director of Worcestershire recruitment agency Hewett Recruitment, which organised the awards, said the standard of entries had been incredibly high and picking a winner had been "tough".

"We were delighted with the response to our search for the Worcestershire Secretary of the Year in terms of the incredibly high quality of entries," she said.

"Picking one overall winner from these finalists was a tough task, but Eileen Austin is clearly outstanding in her role and a deserved winner."

The other finalists - drawn from dozens of nominations from all over the county - were Karen Thomas, from St Richard's Hospice, in Worcester; Sarah Grove, from Thomas Vale Construction, in Stourport-on-Severn; Sue Ross, from Purac, in Kidderminster and Lisa Sparrow, from Hereford & Worcester Fire Brigade, in Worcester.

Mrs Austin - who won a luxury weekend in London - has worked at TP Activity Toys for four years and is involved with everything from health and safety to overseeing refurbishments. She also sits on the board of governors at Stourport High School.