A former Norfolk schoolgirl is pursuing her dream of working with children after gaining a place at one of the world's most prestigious nanny training colleges.

Niamh Walby, from Dereham, is in her first term of a four-year course at Norland College in Bath aiming to become a Norland nanny, many of whom go on to work with some of the wealthiest families in the world and even royalty.

The college was founded in 1892 by Emily Ward who had recognised the need for early years childcare to be more structured, loving and nurturing.

The 18-year-old said she wanted to be a Norland nanny since starting at the town's Neatherd High School in year 7.

'I have always wanted to work with children from a young age and be more nurturing than being a teacher would allow,' she said.

'My mum told me about Norland College, and after doing some research I decided then and there that I wanted to be a Norland Nanny and I was going to work hard to try to make my dream come true.'

The course involves a mixture of practical learning, placement in lots of different settings with different age ranges but also learning in class in order to gain a BA (Hons) Early Years Development and Learning degree.

Placements can include hospitals, schools, nurseries and playgroups where students learn key skills that will be widely used when working for families such as sewing and food and nutrition.

Miss Walby, who did her A levels at Dereham Sixth Form College, said she was proud to wear the Norland uniform, which was introduced by its founder to distinguish Norland graduates as professionals within the household.

'It makes me feel professional and proud because when I put that uniform on I know how hard I am working to achieve my dream,' she said.

'After I have passed my Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year, which is a year-long UK based placement, I can go anywhere in the world and nanny.

'I would love to travel the world and work abroad at one point in my career.

'I have always wanted to see the world and with nannying I not only get to see different parts of the world I have always wanted to see, I get to do it whilst working with children which I love doing.

'I am excited about all of the opportunities that will come as a Norland nanny.'