A DELIGHTED teaching assistant at a school in Sunninghill has received special praise for her hard work.
Samantha Pinder-White, who works at St Michael's Primary School, is signed up to the Thank And Praise (TAP) app.
TAP is a new way for parents and patients to show their appreciation to unsung heroes who work in education and healthcare in Berkshire.
ALSO READ: Bracknell man praises NHS screening test after they detect early bowel cancer
Ms Pinder-White received kind messages of thanks from fellow staff members and parents, who she helps teach.
This in turn has generated points where she can now redeem vouchers at local retailers in and around Ascot.
She said: "To receive an unexpected Whatsapp message of thanks from a parent or colleague really does generate a huge smile, and in this current world of negativity it shows that there is nothing better for your mental health than reading a kind word of thank or praise.
"It only takes a moment to say thank you."
The platform was launched by parents Phillip and Sandie Curtis from Ascot, whose son Donovan received "outstanding care" from doctors and nurses.
The parents wanted to thank the staff who helped their son but found it difficult to relay the message to them.
Sandie said: "Our 18-year-old boy received exceptional care from the NHS and when we look back at that time, we were overwhelmed by the services that were available so we just wanted to give thanks and weren't really able to.
"We often make time to complain but we don't take the time to say thanks."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here