TWO Dorset care homes are celebrating after being crowned winners in this year’s Star Awards.

The awards, which are organised by Care South, highlight and reward good practice, commitment and dedication by care home staff who have been nominated by their colleagues and people who receive their services.

The kitchen staff at the Mount Pleasant care home in Weymouth won the Best Care Support Services award, in recognition of their commitment to the wellbeing of the home’s resident.

Phillipa Gunn, Home Administrator at Mount Pleasant, nominated her colleagues in the kitchen.

She said: “The kitchen team always go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents. Residents are always delighted on their birthdays, when the team brings out a homemade cake and put on a fabulous afternoon tea spread for them.”

Meanwhile, staff at Maiden Castle House took home the Best Activities Programme award, for the varied activities they organise for residents.

Dawn Palmer, Home Manager at Maiden Castle House, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award. Our activities coordinators do a brilliant job of organising a range of exciting events that have residents talking about them for days afterwards.”

Susan Willoughby, Chief Executive of Care South, said: “The kitchen team at Mount Pleasant and the activities coordinators at Maiden Castle House set an outstanding example in their dedication to providing quality care.”

The Stars Awards are a great way for us to say thank you and give a special recognition.