CARE home workers in Wiltshire have been recognised for their dedication and commitment at a special awards ceremony.

The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), a care home provider which runs three homes in Salisbury and one in Amesbury, held its annual Wiltshire Employee Awards on May 24.

This year's Carer of the Year award went to Katie Orchard from Willowcroft in Salisbury while the Leader of the Year title was awarded to Julia Gibson, the care leader from Avonbourne Care Centre in Old Sarum.

Katie was awarded for her dedication and commitment to both the residents and her colleagues, being described as a 'shining star' for her "gentle, kind and professional manner".

The Trust said: "With Katie’s help and encouragement, residents are able to maintain their dignity and independence, in addition to her regularly encouraging residents to mix and have social contact with the other residents at the home."

Julia received the award for being a dedicated team member who "ensures that residents receive the very best possible care from team members, who all work to her high standards".

The Trust said: "Julia encourages and respects her colleagues, supporting them to be competent in their roles and helping to establish a culture of mutual respect. She believes that all residents should be as independent as possible, showing great respect regardless of their ability to retain information. Julia’s positive and cheerful enthusiasm is infectious, she has endless patience, and is quick to praise, thank, and support her colleagues."

The Activity Coordinator of the Year was awarded to Samantha Dean from Fives Court in Mere for her "caring nature and the amount of energy she puts into supporting the residents".

The Trust said: "Sam is respectful and courteous to everyone that comes into contact with her and is always finding creative ways to promote and engage the home with the local community."

The awards were presented at Warminster Civic Centre by David Stratton, deputy Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire.

Robin Khokhar, OSJCT assistant operations director for Wiltshire, said: “All of the employees honoured at this year’s event have shown the utmost commitment and dedication to the Trust and everyone living under our care. Whether celebrating long service, individual training achievements and group accreditations to garnering praise from colleagues, all of 2016’s recipients are extremely deserving of the recognition and a big thank you.”