A DUDLEY mum has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Jenny Jones, the founder of Inspired Foundations, has been honoured for her services to adoption.

Her business, based in St James Road, Dudley, provides training, information, support and advice to parents and professionals who live or work with children who are looked-after or adopted, as well as those considered in-need or vulnerable.

The 37-year-old's motivation was her three children - who she adopted separately over the space of nine years.

"They have completely changed my life," she said.

"It is by far the best thing I have ever done. It comes with challenges and was a steep learning curve but I would never change my decision.

"In my quest to understand and help my own children I have extended my own knowledge and learnt a lot about these issues which unfortunately affect so many children and families."

Having worked with children for many years - both within the education and health sector - and completed a degree in special education, Jenny was eager to share her knowledge and experience.

"I'd never started a business before - I literally started off thinking I'd put on my training course and see how it goes. I hired a room, handed out leaflets and it sold out. Then I thought I should do another one and it started from there."

Although she started out alone, Jenny now has several trainers working for her, meaning that Inspired Foundations is able to help youngsters across the country, something she never expected to achieve: "It was all brand new to me," she said.

"I'm not a businesswoman and I'll never be a millionaire - it all comes from the heart."

Jenny, who also sits on the adoption panel for the children's charity, Barnardo's, said she was still shocked by the award news.

"I didn't quite believe it when I found out," she admitted.

"None of this would have happened without my children. They have taught me so much about life and this business wouldn't be around if it wasn't for them and I really couldn't do any of it without the support of my family and friends, they are the scaffolding around me."

She added: "My two eldest children are really proud of me but my youngest is too young to understand. She knows I'm going to get a medal from the Queen and keeps asking when I'm going to meet her.

"I'm really excited to meet her but also really nervous. I've been reading up about what happens at the ceremony and really hope I don't get anything wrong or fall over!"