A teenager who runs her own weekend support group for special needs children and their families is in the running for a Local Heroes award.

Stephanie Bayford, aged just 17, launched Little Specials, a popular play group for children with disabilities, in February.

There are singing and dancing activities and storytime sessions, and the one-to-one support is designed to enhance the children’s social and communication skills, while giving their families a break from caring responsibilities.

Stephanie funds it single-handedly, using the pay she gets as a teaching assistant at Meadow High School, and approached her local Oak Farm Library, in Sutton Court Road, Hillingdon, to organise times.

The group meets on Saturday afternoons, and it has become a lifeline for some of the families who use the service.

For Stephanie, her chosen line of work is also a passion. She said: “My mum (Sharon) also works with children with special needs and ran a respite service at our house. I grew up around these children and it was always something that I wanted to do for a career.”

The former Bishopshalt pupil said a stint at RNIB Sunshine House School and Children’s Home, in Dene Road, Northwood, working with blind and partially sighted children with learning difficulties, made her mind up.

“I met some really amazing kids, and ever since then, for me it has all been about the children and what I can do to help them. It also gives the parents the chance to get together and they can discuss their children and help each other. My mum is really supportive. She gives me all the advice I need.”

If you know anyone who makes a difference in your neighbourhood, get nominating using the form above!

There are less than five weeks until the window for Local Heroes entries closes.

The ceremony is being held on Thursday, June 5.

Nominate your hero using the form in either the adult or under-18s categories, and consider whether the person is an outstanding young person, star carer, courageous citizen, fabulous fundraiser or community champion.

Our Heroes will get a £50 prize and Superheroes a £200 prize, plus the chance for a further £500 for being the overall Superhero Of Hillingdon.

There will also be commendation certificates.

For more information about Little Specials, call Stephanie on 07985 805 157, or email stephanie.louise96@hotmail.co.uk.

Meanwhile, nominate your Local Hero here!