A Hereford charity has been named the best in the country at what it does.

National Star, which supports young people with disabilities and learning difficulties, was named the Specialist Provider of the year at the Tes Further Education Awards in London.

Currently 17 young people use National Star’s specialist support, based in Harrow Road. Last year it was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The charity has just bought 1 Ledbury Road from the Wye Valley NHS Trust and plans to invest £2.2 million into the site.

It will provide long-term living accommodation, together with education, personal development and therapies facilities.

The judges described National Star as “an inspiring place” that puts its learners at the centre of everything it does.

The judges for Tes (formerly Times Educational Supplement) said: “They are swimming against the tide by sticking to what they do best – and doing it better than the rest.”

John Mann, Head of National Star at Hereford, said the awards were testament to the commitment of the charity’s staff.