A Sutton cook was mingling with royalty last night as she met Prince Harry at a ceremony where she was recognised for her work with ill children.

Shirley Moore, 53, collected her Outstanding Professional award at the 2017 WellChild Ceremony at the Lancaster Hotel (October 16).

Prince Harry, patron for WellChild - a national charity for sick children - was there to congratulate Shirley on her achievement.

Cooking a patients favourite curry, despite it not being on the menu, or jumping on a bus to locate cheese strings, are some of the ways Shirley "goes out of her way" to get children in intensive care interested in eating again.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prince Harry said: "There are so many people in this room who play such a large part in making life better for vulnerable and isolated children, young people and families. I want to thank you all for the amazing work you do. You have my utmost admiration.

"The spirit shown by the young people who have so deservedly won these WellChild Awards this evening humbles all of us. I hope that, like me, you have all been moved to keep supporting WellChild and help us reach more and more of the people that need it so badly.

"I would like to end by saying well done again to all of our winners – it was a pleasure to meet you all; keep doing what you're doing as you set an example for others to follow."

Shirley told Sutton Guardian last night that she was "overwhelmed" to win the national award.