SISTERS have won a working mums award for their business which gives toddlers a headstart on their writing, reading and speech.

Charlie Day and Alex Burnside from Chelmsford were winners in the national mumandworking.co.uk awards.

The pair won best start-up business for their company Sounds Right Phonics Classes for Kids.

The award was judged by a panel of leading business women, who are familiar with the challenges of juggling a family and a career.

Having started with just one class, the pair now have 13 sessions in Essex and are planning to expand into Doncaster and Birmingham.

Alex said: “We are overwhelmed to win this award and think this is a wonderful reflection on our work over the last two years.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support and hard work of our franchisees, all of which are mums who are now running successful businesses.

“When we heard our name announced at the awards we were speechless and just delighted.”

Events director for mumandworking.co.uk Suzanne Borrell said: “This isn’t just about one day – but what happens next – and we are privileged to be involved.”