A CARER who dedicates his time to working with three young men with learning disabilities in Hoyland has been nominated for a national award.

Robert Allbrook, a former factory worker, was nominated for the Learner of the Year award after completing his NVQ level three in health and social care and another qualification which allows him to assess others in the subject.

The 41-year-old has worked for Sun Healthcare for a year and finished in the top ten at the awards which were held from September 23-35.

Robert said: "It was quite an honour. It's nice to think they think I've done well in my first year.

"I came from a warehouse and factory background and I have only been doing this work for a few years, but it's more rewarding than packing buns!"

Robert, from Cudworth, works evenings, weekends, nights and days with the three lads, who are 19, 27 and 29 and live on Upper Hoyland Road.

And in his spare time he is a special constable, volunteering 20-30 hours per month. Robert's boss, Elaine Arnold, said she was very proud of his work.

She said: "He needs a little bit of recognition. He has come to us without much knowledge but he has been excellent.

"He has even taken a young man on holiday to Skegness this year, who wouldn't have been able to otherwise."