At the ceremony in Exeter on Wednesday last week, six of the school's pupils read out a poem, Our Glittering Star, written by Sue Mortimer.

The poem finished: "If you are feeling angry, go and tell her, she will soothe and comfort you.

"If you need help with something, go and tell her — she will always do her best to help you. So, who is she? Our sparkling, glittering Elaine, of course."

Elaine was nominated by headteacher Julian Thomas and other staff at the school.

Teacher Mandy Turner said: "Elaine is a star. She will gladly do anything that is asked of her and always with a smile on her face.

"She is kind and caring, has a great sense of humour and definitely makes each day brighter, and not just because of her bright red lipstick! It is not the same when she's not around, and the children love her."

Headteacher Julian Thomas said:. "Elaine offers an ear, a shoulder and sometimes a tissue, and she can equally offer a smile, a cheer and a celebratory laugh. Everyone at school has something positive to say about Elaine — they are glad that she is here and she certainly does enrich our lives."

Elaine was presented with her Dartington glass trophy by Mary Nisbett, chair of Devon Children's Trust Partnership. Also present at the awards, which were called the Cream of CYPS, were executive director of Children and Young People's Services, Anne Whiteley, and Devon County councillors Andrea Davis and Christine Channon.

Elaine was announced the individual winner in the stakeholder category.

Cllr Davis: "Elaine is a real inspiration to us all, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room when the children read out the Glittering Star poem."