CARE home staff are celebrating after an employee was named the 'care home support services champion'.

Elizabeth Greaves, kitchen assistant as Colne House care home, in Earls Colne, was awarded the title at the Kingsley Care Awards. 

Judges said: “Liz is truly an asset for any home, she not only carries out her daily duties as a kitchen assistant but also stands in as a cook when needed.”

"She contributed to menu planning, helped organise special events and gave up her spare time to support the home

“She tries to lift the spirits of those around her and has a warm, cheerful attitude to everyone in the home, including visitors.”

More than 200 employees and VIP guests attended the awards at the Ivy House Country Hotel in Lowestoft.

Kingsley CEO Daya Thayan gave an upbeat message on the company’s fortunes in his opening address.

He told staff and invited guests: “We have sustained compound annual EBITDA growth of 35pc per annum over a 17 year period.

“That is a tremendous achievement and we would not have been able to grow without the great work you, our staff, do day in, day out.

“You are the backbone of our operation and it is your commitment and compassion that we celebrate here today.”

He said it was the dedication of staff that had been instrumental in Kingsley’s rise to become one of the best operators in the country in terms of low staff turnover and 72pc good CQC ratings.

“Our challenge is to maintain the value system we set out on day one,” he said.