Calista Lewis, who runs Talking Tots at St Paul's church and Leapfrog Nursery, has been nominated for the outstanding activity or class leader award in the What's On 4 Little Ones 2009 awards.

Talking Tots classes use games, props, pictures, rhymes and songs to help children learn words, play and have fun with language, and can give older children a head start with spelling.

Mrs Lewis, 33, said: "I started running Talking Tots classes in Coventry and Leamington just over a year ago and I absolutely love it.

"As the parent of a four-year-old myself I hope I have a good idea what parents, and most importantly children, enjoy when they go to classes.

"I'm thrilled and a little bit shocked to be nominated for this award."

The awards recognise the best activities for under-5s across the UK. Talking Tots has also been nominated in the best baby development, best toddler development and best pre-school development categories.

Mrs Lewis has been congratulated by Warwick and Leamington MP James Plaskitt.

He said: "The programme you offer for young children looks extremely impressive and I am sure it is making a huge contribution to the attainment levels of the youngsters who are attending."

Voting takes place online until April 30 at www.whatson4littleones.co.uk

Call 07957 453785 or email calista@talkingtots.info

www.talkingtots.info/midwarwickshire