THE popularity of au pair schemes may have plummeted in the wake of the Louise Woodward affair, but one North Yorkshire woman says she has never regretted her decision to spend a year in America.

Paula Greenwood, from Westow, near Malton, met her future husband while she was in the USA and she was one of the speakers at a presentation evening given by Au Pair America last night at the Novotel, York. The evening attracted only seven interested women, well down on the norm for the twice-yearly presentation event, according to organisers.

But Paula and another former au pair Claire Sorby from Wigginton, could only speak highly of their experiences as au pairs and said they had gained confidence and made many friends. Janet White, regional co-ordinator for Au Pair America, said: "Louise Woodward was not an au pair with us but people have been concerned about becoming an au pair since the publicity surrounding her trial.

"We've been here before when we've had more than 40 people and haven't had enough chairs for everyone."

She said the number of English au pairs going over to America had declined, but between 10 and 20 went every year from the York area and more than 4,000 au pairs continued to take part in the scheme every year.

Wendy Bramall, who became the York area interviewer for the scheme after her daughter Tracy took part, told the audience about Au Pair America's rigorous checking procedures and the support and counselling provided for au pairs in America.

She said that all au pairs got the chance to chat to potential host families on the telephone before making a final decision.

Paula said: "The important thing for people is to find out as much as they can about the scheme, stay open-minded about their families and make sure they are suited.

"When they get there the key thing is communication and talking about any problems."

And for Paula, 25, going to America didn't just give her a year to remember, it changed her life.

She was introduced to Scott Wheeler, her fiance, through a friend of her host family, and went out with him for 10 months before coming back to England last year.

She went back to America for a month's visit and on New Year's Eve last year, on Scott's first visit to England, he proposed to her at Scarborough Castle.

The couple plan to marry in January next year when Paula, now a nursery nurse at Heworth Green in York, will move to America for good.

"It's all been a bit of a whirlwind really!" she said.

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