Residential homes have been awarded two prestigious accolades at a regional ceremony.

Sonnet Care Homes, owner of The New Deanery and St Mary’s Court residential care homes near Braintree, picked up an award for best care employer at the Great British Care Awards’ East of England Region ceremony.

The awards recognise the company's commitment to care and its employees.

Julia Clinton, chief executive of Sonnet Care Homes, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the Best Care Employer award.

“At Sonnet Care Homes we believe that our wonderful team is our greatest asset, and we invest time and resources to make sure that they are well supported and that they feel valued for the amazing work that they do.

“To be recognised by The Great British Care Awards is an honour and we will display our trophy with pride."

On the same night Rachel Marlow, deputy manager at The New Deanery, was named as the best frontline leader for her commitment to supporting her team.

She said: “I genuinely love the work that I do and winning the frontline leader award was both a surprise and an honour.

“I am incredibly lucky to work with such amazing people at The New Deanery and this award is recognition for the whole team. I am now really looking forward to the national finals in Birmingham in March.”

The Great British Care Awards winners were announced on 13 January at a glamorous ceremony held at the Peterborough West Holiday Inn.

For more information visit thenewdeanery.co.uk or stmaryscourt.co.uk