An Islington Council social worker has won national recognition for her support of social work students in the borough.

Tracy Caton, 48, won silver in the social worker of the year awards last Friday. She was runner up in the practice educator of the year category.

Tracy, who works for the council’s learning disabilities partnership, in Drayton Park, supports people with learning disabilities to live active and fulfilling lives.

She was recognised for her extra work mentoring social work students working in her team while on university placement.

Judges at the ceremony, in the Lancaster London Hotel, described Tracy’s 28-year career as “a great achievement”. They said they were particularly impressed with her dedication to the students at the same time as helping her service users.

Tracy, of Islington, said: “I’m completely shocked to have won this award, I just didn’t expect it at all.

“I feel slightly overwhelmed but really thrilled.”

Sherry Malik, a director at award sponsor NSPCC, presented the award and said: “She has proven to be an inspiration for all of the students she has mentored.”