EAST LANCASHIRE’S very own Cinderella will be able to go to the ball after being named the area’s employee of the year.

Karen Steward is the face behind Padiham’s four storey stately home Gawthorpe Hall and busily works around the clock to prepare the house for visitors five times a week.

The visitor services assistant, 49, has been honoured by County Hall bosses for her hard work and dedication, she said: “I have worked at Gawthorpe Hall for 10 years making sure the home is pristine for visitors. I work behind the scenes in the mornings throughout the summer, a bit like Cinderella and go home just as the visitors start to arrive.

“Then in the winter I do the deep clean, taking time to do the things like the silverware and light fittings, I haven’t had time to do previously.

“My favourite task is polishing the 70ft wooden floor in the Long Gallery, as I get a real sense of achievement when I have completed it.”

The County Council’s Pride Awards celebrate the work of its employees who go above and beyond their duties and are nominated for by their colleagues.

The East Lancashire winners will now join winners from the South and North Lancashire areas to be considered at the county finals on July 6.

The Mother-of-one, of Padiham Road, Burnley prides herself on performing her intricate cleaning jobs with care and precision.

Karen said: “The home is set out like a 18 Century Victorian home and has some very detailed wooden furniture and decorations.

“We also have a lot of Lord Shuttleworth possessions such as a silver tea set, which time and effort to clean as they get quite tarnished throughout the year.

“I see myself like a character out of a classic novel cleaning the treasures of the house.”

Other East Lancashire winners include Warwick Avenue Children's Home, in Accrington who were named team of the year.