LOOKING after Penni Ball's young children has meant that child-minder Brenda Barner has soon become part of the family.

She is always willing to put herself out to help — and has been a tower of strength to city mum Penni.

She works part-time and often leaves her children James, three, and Kaitlyn, one, under Brenda's capable care.

After two years of working together Penni felt it was about time she showed Brenda her appreciation by nominating her for the Echo's bouquet of the week.

Penni said: "Brenda tirelessly takes care of other people's children and is an absolute tower of strength — not just to mums like me, who rely on her strength, discipline and care for our children, but to her own family too, in particular her daughter, who suffers from ill-health, and her husband, who has been seriously ill over the last nine months.

"Brenda is always positive, always smiling and regardless of whatever life throws at her. She never lets the parents or the children she looks after down.

"I don't know where I would be without her, she is not only our child-minder but also a part of our family."

The Echo surprised Brenda, who has been child-minding for the past 20 years, with her bouquet at her home in King's Heath.

She said: "I am completely shocked to be receiving these beautiful flowers.

"I really enjoy child-minding and couldn't imagine doing anything else. Sometimes life can be hard but you just get on with it and make the best of what you've got."