A supermum has been praised after balancing family life and university studies to launch a soup kitchen for the homeless.

Alongside studying for a degree in adult nursing Louise Williamson, 33, from Macclesfield, set up a food project called Treehouse.

Louise managed to achieve all this while running a busy home with her husband Daniel and children Bradley, 11 and Emily, seven.

She has now been awarded a first class degree and two prizes from the University of Chester.

Louise said: “All the tears and endless midnight hours were obviously worth it.

“I think the most challenging part of my studies was the endless hours of work through the night on assignments and the dreaded dissertation so I didn’t miss out on time with my husband and children.”

After working a variety of jobs, from barmaid to working in a nursery, Louise enrolled as a student paramedic but had to quit for personal reasons.

The experience stirred a love of nursing and she started her degree.

To boost her studies Louise became a volunteer at Drop-In on Duke Street, which supports 12 to 25-year-olds, and Street Angels, which patrol the town centre keeping people safe.

Last December Louise decided to set up a soup kitchen at Elim Christian Life Centre, on Parsonage Street, aimed at the homeless, poor or socially isolated.

Run every Saturday from 5-8pm Treehouse is now linked to The Samaritans and four churches in Macclesfield. It serves 45 people a meal and hot drinks, as well a signposts them other services.

Louise said: “We have managed to aid in housing an individual and enabling two other individuals into employment. Everyone that attends always leaves with a smile and a full stomach.”

All the hard work has helped Louise get a job as a nurse at both Macclesfield Hospital and Styal women’s prison.

Her ambition is to work the drug and alcohol service and open a night shelter for the homeless.

Traci Whitfield, Louise’s university tutor, said: “Louise is an outstanding student.

“She recognises the importance of underpinning theory and application to practice.

“We are all incredibly proud of her achievements.”