A POOLE care worker has been recognised for their outstanding work with a coveted title.

Staff and residents at a care home in Hamworthy are celebrating after colleague Mervyn Knights was crowned National Foundation Champion of the Year at the Barchester Care Awards.

The award ceremony celebrates the best staff who go the extra mile to support and benefit residents across the country.

Mervyn works as the hospitality development and standards manager at Upton Bay Care Home and was delighted to win the award, they said: “I can’t believe I have been named the national winner.  I am so proud and so thankful to everyone who nominated and voted for me. 

“It means the world to be recognised for doing something I am so passionate about.  The Foundation does such vital work, I’m so happy I was able to play a part in helping so many people.”

General Manager of Upton Bay Care Home, Mevin Sohorye, said: “This is such a fantastic achievement, the whole home is so proud of Mervyn.  He is so dedicated and always goes the extra mile. The MD Cook Off was such a wonderful idea and he organised the whole thing brilliantly.”