A CALDICOT social worker who works with local children with disabilities has received a prestigious national award.

At the British Association Social Work Cymru Social Work presentation Samantha Francis won the Innovative Practice Award.

She specialises in making life more manageable when dealing with challenging behaviour associated specifically with Asperger's syndrome and autism.

Peter Inglis, from Monmouthshire County Council's Children with Disabilities team, said in his nomination: "Samantha is a real role model.  She started work in residential childcare in 1997 and has grown to become a trusted member of the community who will always go 'that extra mile'."

Samantha said: "I'm delighted to receive the award and I think it's great to see that the work social workers do is valued and supported."