Mansfield District Council’s supernanny has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Specialist parenting practitioner Anne Callaghan was awarded the British Empire Medal for her outstanding contribution to children and families.

She said: “I’m very proud to receive the BEM in recognition of my work with families and children, but I am also delighted for Mansfield District Council, who have always seen the value and importance of the services I deliver.”

Anne co-ordinates and runs a range of programmes for families who are struggling with teenage children or need help in parenting very young children. Helping them to tackle behavioural issues in the early stages, she gives parents the skills and guidance to deal with a range of problems, including anti-social behaviour, truanting, physical violence and problems with drugs and alcohol.

The focus of her work is on early intervention and enabling people to adopt a more positive attitude in life and enjoy better relationships within the home.

Anne runs a number of parenting programmes including ‘Incredible Years’ aimed at parents and carers of children aged between 18 months and 12 years; and ‘Strengthening Families’, which offers joint sessions to parents and adolescents aged 10 to 14. She also works with survivors of domestic abuse.

Portfolio holder for public protection at Mansfield District Council, Coun Mick Barton, said: “We are delighted that Anne has been recognised. This award is testament to the fact that Anne not only does her job brilliantly, but she also provides a very important service to families, who may be struggling.

“Working with people who are having difficulties in parenting their children and offering them support and early intervention is an important approach to creating functional, happy families, reducing anti-social behaviour and stopping young people from turning to crime.”