Committed Elaine Shortt, who is a deputy manager at Kirkby Manor care home, landed the Outstanding Performance of the Year accolade at the annual Hallmark Healthcare Awards during a glitzy ceremony at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Heathrow.

It is the second year in a row that Elaine, who has been in her job for 12 years, has picked up an award at the ceremony, after she was named Trainer of the Year last year.

Proud Elaine told Chad: "I absolutely love my job and the residents. I really enjoy working with my colleagues so I am so thrilled to win. I had a fantastic evening and celebrated my success with the rest of the team until the early hours."

Speaking after the ceremony Avnish Goyal, managing director of Hallmark Healthcare, paid tribute to Elaine and said, "Elaine is a terrific ambassador for the company and I was pleased to congratulate her personally on her win once again.

"The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge all those people – from staff and suppliers to friends and family - who add value to the lives of our residents."