A care home in Upper Beeding has been nominated in The Great South East Care Awards after being recognised for high quality end-of-life care.

Valerie Manor Nursing and Residential Care Home received official approval from the Gold Standard Framework last month and has been selected as finalists in four categories.

The nursing home has been nominated for the Care Team Award and manager Zoë Bates is a finalist for the Care Home Registered Manager.

She said: “It is still like a dream come true for me to be making a positive difference to the lives of our 23 residents.

“Everyone at Valerie Manor works very hard and it filled me with pride to hear that the team has been selected as finalists for the awards.”

Two other members of staff at Valerie Manor have also been nominated for awards this year. Care assistant Ian Goldsmith and office manager Alan Fry were selected as finalists in the Care Home Worker and Ancillary Worker categories.

Mr Fry said: “To be part of a team that has been nominated and selected as finalist is extremely humbling.

“I am proud to be considered part of the team whose dedication, flexibility and compassion is paramount in everything we do.”

A hospitality assistant from the nursing home has also been shortlisted for the West Sussex Care Accolades Ancillary Worker Award.

Martyn Davis said Valerie Manor is a very happy and cheerful place to work and he enjoys making people feel comfortable.

He said: “I feel honoured and taken away with the nomination and I feel terribly humbled to have my co-workers and the people I care for to nominate me.”

The Great South East Care Awards ceremony takes place on Saturday, November 8 and the West Sussex Care Accolades will present the winners on Wednesday, October 15.