BURLY labourer George Jones has been named as the nation's Mum of the Year.

The sudden death of his wife, Jeanette, last summer meant Mr Jones took on the roles of mother and father to their two children.

The former sailor has devoted his life to Lauren, nine, and Georgie, who is eight,

His efforts have earned him the UK's Mum in a Million title in a national competition.

Delighted Mr Jones, 33, of South Shields, beat hundreds of mothers in the competition, after being nominated by Lauren.

The award has come at a poignant time for Mr Jones, as it is the first anniversary of his wife's death today.

Mrs Jones, 39, collapsed after suffering an aneurism and her life-support machine was switched off the next day.

Mr Jones said: "I feel like I was with Jeanette all my life. We were together for 15 years, married for nine. She was my best friend, as well as my wife.

"The kids have got me through the past year and the worst times are when I'm alone.

"Despite all the major challenges I've faced over the year, it's waking up without Jeanette and going to bed without her there that's been the hardest thing to bear."

Mr Jones admits he did no housework before, but has quickly adapted to his double role, thanks to the support of his own parents, Elizabeth and George.

He is looking forward to spending the prize - a holiday to Corfu - with his children and his mother.

In her letter of nomination, Lauren said: "My dad has tried really hard to make sure me and my brother are happy and we are proud to have him as a dad."