Services that help children and adults who are deaf and blind have been nominated for a national award.

The services are run by Hertfordshire County Council, which has been nominated as commissioner of the year as part of the Independent Specialist Care Awards 2013.

The awards highlight organisations that provide social care services for people with learning or physical disabilities, sensory needs or mental health conditions.

The council was nominated by charity Sense, which said the authority was a model of good practice and highlighted the work of deafblind worker Jackie Kidd of Sensory Services.

Peter Cheer, the charity's group director of operational services, said: “The service in Hertfordshire is a great example of how appropriately trained, one-to-one support can make a real difference to the independence and well-being of deafblind adults and children.”

Councillor Colette Wyatt-Lowe said: “I am very proud of the quality of our work in this field and it is satisfying to have that acknowledged by others. Congratulations to Jackie Kidd and everyone involved in this project."