My husband and I originally employed Elly with the intention of helping us with ad hoc baby sitting to enable us to do some regular exercise together one evening a week.

As we were in the process of moving house at the time, and with limited help, I also asked Elly if she would be prepared to help me with some of the unpacking whilst we made the new house a home.

Prepared to quite literally "roll up her sleeves", we got to know Elly really well over these chaotic days - hardworking, helpful, fun to have around, respectful, likable. We couldn't have done it without her!

And since then Elly has been helping us weekly (as well as on the odd ad hoc occasion), babysitting my 2 small children, and allowing us to have a little "us time".

She has been utterly reliable, forgiving (when we have overrun on occasion), a complete delight, my girls love her, and we think she is fabulous!

Our only regret - she is already committed to another family at times we would love to have had her help, and she does not as yet have her drivers license (although she is in the process of getting it, and we have no doubt she will have it very soon!).

Please do not hesitate to contact me for references.