A CHARD company is celebrating after being nominated for multiple national awards.

Orchard Osteopaths, based on Fore Street in Chard, has been nominated as a finalist for practice of the year at the Institute of Osteopaths UK annual awards.

One of the members of staff is up for principal of the year, and another has been presented with the rising star award.

Teresa Pacheco, the practice manager at Orchard Osteopaths, said: "All at Orchard Osteopaths are extremely proud and excited to announce that they have been shortlisted as finalists in two categories in their professional association annual awards, along with associate Cher Crook winning the Rising Star Award.

“We are really looking forward to an exciting weekend away, and hope to come home with more than one award.

The awards recognize the achievements of osteopaths and osteopathic practices in UK.

Winners will be announced at the Institute of Osteopathy’s Annual Convention Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Beaumont Estate in Windsor later today (Saturday, November 26)

For the rising star award, top graduates from 2015 are nominated by their university.

This year, seven osteopaths were chosen to receive the prestigious award including Orchard Osteopaths associate osteopath Cher Crook, who will receive her award at the award ceremony.

Rachel Phillimore is celebrating 25 years in practice this year and has been shortlisted as a finalist for principal of the year.

Five members of the Orchard Osteopaths team are attending the awards.

For more information on the awards, visit www.osteopathy.org/the-io-annual-awards.