STAFF at a care home in Weymouth are celebrating after receiving an award.

Ben Warner from Care South's Buxton House was nominated alongside numerous peers across the company’s 18 care homes and selected by a panel of judges to receive the Best Care Newcomer award after receiving several nominations from colleagues and residents at the home.

It was part of the company's annual Stars Awards ceremony.

Ben joined the home to embark on his first role in care and quickly settled and excelled in his new role. The nominations stated how Ben always goes the ‘extra mile’ for the home’s residents and often takes residents off for walks to the shops or for an ice cream treat in the garden and was truly an asset to the Buxton House team.

Clare Baker, home manager at Buxton House, said: “It’s fantastic that Ben has been recognised at this year’s Stars Awards ceremony. Ben has settled in very quickly here at Buxton House and it’s clear to see he is a caring and compassionate individual, who is loved by the residents at the home.”

Susan Willoughby, chief executive at Care South, added: “Our Stars Awards are now in their eighth year and really are a highlight for us and our teams. It offers us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the professionalism, passion and commitment to care that is delivered day in, day out by our staff, and gives us the chance to acknowledge and thank everyone for their hard work and dedication. We received an incredible number of nominations this year and all our finalists and winners should be extremely proud of themselves.”

The Care South Stars Awards recognise and reward individuals and teams from across the company for their outstanding achievements and excellent care provision. Nominees are put forward by colleagues, residents, service users and relatives. The ceremony took place at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium and celebrated the achievements of over 50 staff who received formal qualifications during the year.