MORE than 400 people saw the best of care in the county honoured during a glittering awards ceremony.

The 2017 Care Awards took place at Wellsprings Leisure Centre on April 7, organised by the Care Focus organisation and hosted by Ben McGrail from BBC Somerset.

Care Focus CEO, Claire Waddon, said: “It was great to see so many people recognised for their dedication and commitment. They are all winners in our eyes.

“We would also like to thank Ben McGrail of BBC Somerset for his continued support and exceptional hosting, Albert Goodman, Porter Dodson and the County Gazette for partnering us, along with all the sponsors and contributors, whose support enabled this event to be memorable for all those who attended.”

The winners were:

n New to Care Award - sponsored by Yeovil College

Julia Rice – Hazelwell Lodge

n Outstanding Volunteer Award - sponsored by Ashfords Law

Colin Millward – The Old Vicarage, Tovic Ltd

n Unsung Hero - sponsored by the County Gazette

First ever joint winners: Fred Snelling – Sherborne House, Altogether Care and Bridget Saunderson – Way Ahead Care Services

n Outstanding Ancillary Worker - sponsored by REOR Design

Fred Willey – St Georges Residential Home

n Outstanding Commitment to Learning and Development - sponsored by Porter Dodson

Connie Stevenson – Home Instead, Weston-Super-Mare

n Quality Specialist Award - sponsored by Nurseline

The Rectory Care Home

n End of Life Care Award - sponsored by Somerset CCG

Camelot House & Lodge

n Excellence in Leadership Award - sponsored by Christie & Co

Tina East – Care Wyvern

n Outstanding Care Worker / Tim Catley-Day Award - sponsored by the Skills Platform

Alex Maranan – Castle House Nursing Home

n Outstanding Care Team - sponsored by Clarke Wilmott

Grovelands – Somerset Care

n Care Organisation of the Year - sponsored by Albert Goodman

Highfield House

n Outstanding Contribution Award - sponsored by Care Focus

Maggie Milton – Wellington House