DEDICATED care home staff have received some well-earned recognition after being shortlisted for six awards.

The team at St Mary's Court care home, in Braintree, is in with a chance of scooping the top prize across several different categories at the Great British Care Awards.

Terri Pike is a finalist in the care home manager award category, while matron Joan Sirett is shortlisted for the frontline leader award.

Jo Whitehouse, who won the care home activity organiser award last year is once again a finalist in the activities category.

Trainer Mandi Randall-Cramp is shortlisted for the workforce development award, while the maintenance team at the home is a finalist in the ancillary workers category.

St Mary's Court is also in with a chance of scooping Essex County Council's Prospers award for community, partnership and collaboration.

Julia Clinton, CEO of Sonnet Care Homes, said: “These nominations recognise the dedication of our entire team to providing first-class care and supporting all our residents to live full and interesting lives.”

The awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the care sector and pay tribute to individuals who are outstanding within their field of work.

Regional winners of the Great British Care Awards will be announced at a gala dinner in Peterborough later this month, with the Prospers winners set to be announced at Chelmsford Racecourse on November 26.

The latest award nominations come hot on the heels of St Mary’s Court achieving the National Gold Standards Framework for the quality of care it provides to residents in the last years of their lives.

St Mary’s Court is the first care home in Braintree to receive the accolade, which recognises the organisation and quality of end of life care, leadership quality and the dignity and respect afforded to residents.