Nursery nurse Jean Dixon is so good at her job children cry when they LEAVE hospital.

Jean, of Wyke, works at St Luke's Hospital in the Child Development Centre and was one of three "unsung" health service heroes honoured last night.

Jean, along with ward clerk Paula Butterfield, of Dudley Hill, and domestic Kulvinder Kaur, of Bradford Moor, collected the year's top golden gongs at Bradford Teaching Hospitals Oscars ceremony.

They were nominated by their colleagues for their dedication to give patients the best possible service when they are in St Luke's Hospital or Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Jean, was nominated by consultant paediatrician Stella Yeung who said: "Jean has clearly made a difference in the lives of many children and families over the years."

Jean, 53, said: "I have to keep youngsters -- and very often their brothers and sisters -- occupied while their parents may be getting some very difficult news.

"I get down to their level and we have lots of nice toys for them. We have more tears when they leave than when they come in because they don't want to go. That shows we are doing something right. They remember us and it is important to have that continuity as sometimes they are treated from when they are babies through to their teens."

She said "the team" at St Luke's all deserved recognition.

Sister Jill Hoyle said of Oscar-winner Kulvinder "Kully" Kaur she was a vital part of the team at Ward 23 at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

She said: "Kully remembers what all our patients drink and even how many sugars. And there are 25 patients."

She said she often acted as interpreter in emergencies and her devotion stretched to her buying biscuits out of her own pocket, and she also cooked brilliant samosas for her colleagues.

Mrs Kaur, 41, said: "It is hard work which I really enjoy. I am really happy in my work and I was surprised and very nervous to win this."

Paula Butterfield wiped away tears after collecting her gong for her work as clerk on Ward A1 at St Luke's.

The 23-year-old has a reputation for successfully tracking down medical records and never fails, said ward manager Theresa Halstead, who nominated her.

"Nothing is too much trouble for her. Dealing with 5,500 patients a year is an enormous and unseen responsibility. She is excellent and polite and never loses her patience - even in pursuit of medical records!"

All received £500 from awards sponsors Sovereign Health Care.

The runners-up were: litter picker Terence Doherty, switchboard supervisor Margaret Carroll, enrolled nurse Susan Crew, Muslim chaplain Mohammed Arshad, liaison officer Amtul Ijaz, discharge coordinator Carole Bezler and hospital volunteers Nancy McConville, Jean Street and Bridget Dunn.

Congratulating the award winners, Sovereign Health Care chairman Dennis Child said: "These are people who work hard, often behind the scenes, and whose efforts might not have otherwise been highlighted.

"These are the unsung heroes of the Trust and I would like to thank them for their unstinting work in the care of others."