AN Evesham care home manager has scooped a top national award but says thanks from those she cares for is her greatest reward.

Mary Tasker, who works at the Hawthorns Care Centre, has been named manager of the year at a health and social care providers’ national awards.

She was awarded the title at Shaw healthcare’s annual Shaw Star Awards, beating off competition from among more than 4,000 staff across the UK.

Ms Tasker, aged 45, was recognised for creating a positive culture within the Hawthorns that reflects her own caring qualities, for driving high stands of care, and for always having time for the home’s residents.

She said: “It’s fantastic to know that what you do is so valued. Nothing beats getting a thank you from those you care for or their families, but to receive an award like this is the next best thing, so I’d like to thank everyone who made this possible.”

The awards ceremony saw more than 200 of Shaw’s staff gather at the Hilton Hotel in Swindon to celebrate the very best care workers across its UK facilities.

Jeremy Nixey, chief executive at Shaw healthcare, said: “The Shaw Star Awards are all about celebrating the great contribution of our staff, and the hard work and dedication they show on a daily basis to ensure our standards of care are the very best that they can be.”

Shaw healthcare is one of the UK’s leading health and social care providers. It provides care to individuals in nursing and residential homes, hospitals, supported living arrangements, extra care schemes and domiciliary care settings.

Its services range from comprehensive care packages through to low level support in the community for older people and adults with physical, sensory or mental health support needs.