Esther Rantzen named celebrity mum of the year

Mothers from across the country have been acknowledged for their commitment to their children at the Tesco Mum of the Year awards.

Television veteran Dame Esther Rantzen picked up the celebrity mum of the year accolade, crowning a memorable few weeks in which she became a grandmother for the second time - with a third grandchild due in the coming days.

Dame Esther, who also has three grown-up children in their 30s, said she was thrilled to be given the honour.

The ceremony also saw seven awards presented to mothers across the country, alongside Dame Esther.

Natasha Jones, from Brockenhurst in Hampshire, won the community award after launching a life-saving skills project called Baby Resuscitation

Julie Cridland, from Cardiff, was named inspirational mum of the year after setting up The Leon Heart Fund six years ago in memory of her eldest son Leon, who died of a heart condition when he was 13.

Sandra Howard, from Sheffield, was named charitable mum of the year after launching the Fable charity dedicated to people with epilepsy and their families.

Gail O'Shea, from Essex, won the compassionate award after setting up the Wipe Away Those Tears charity, which grants wishes to seriously or terminally ill children. The charity has raised more than £1 million since its launch in 2006.