Two managers at Doveleigh Care have received top recognition in an awards programme celebrating the best people in the long-term care sector.

Amy Burt was named as Area Manager of the Year, and Samantha Evens as National Care Home Manager of the Year, at the National Care Awards finals which were held online last Wednesday.

On Samantha's award, the judges said: "Samantha has shown inspirational leadership, achieving Outstanding across two homes, with all five domains rated as Outstanding in her most recent inspection.

"Residents, relatives and team members are empowered, enabled, involved and engaged, with Samantha going over and above every day to make a difference to the lives of others."

On Amy's award, they said: "The judges felt that all the candidates were very high quality - however Amy Burt was their clear winner.

"They chose Amy because it was evident that she exhibits authentic leadership in her three homes.

"Her testimonials from staff and relatives evidence her dedication to high quality care and team member wellbeing.

"All three of the homes have not only achieved Outstanding ratings, but have retained and improved their Outstanding ratings, which is a phenomenal achievement."

Doveleigh Care runs three local care homes: Arcot House in Sidmouth, Dove Court in Seaton and Doveridge in Colyton.

Arcot House got through to the finals of the Care Home of the Year award, but did not win the top prize; however, it had taken the title in 2017.

What are the National Care Awards?

The National Care Awards is an annual event organised by Caring Times magazine, a management magazine for the social care sector.

Caring Times reflects the opinions of the social care sector, focusing on news affecting the private, public and not-for-profit providers of nursing and residential care.

The Awards were devised to celebrate the very best people in the long-term care sector, by highlighting excellence and rewarding those who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care.

There were 18 categories to enter overall and there were four or five finalists in each category.