A CARE home manager is celebrating after she scooped a national award.

Jo Whitehouse claimed the prestigious care home activity organiser prize during the National Great British Care Awards held in Birmingham.

Ms Whitehouse was crowned winner for her work as activities manager at The New Deanery and St Mary's Court care homes in Bocking.

Competition judges chose Ms Whitehouse because of her passion and enthusiasm for providing meaningful activities for residents.

They also described her as a true team leader who was innovative and possessed a "fantastic drive".

After picking up her award, she: "It brings me great satisfaction and pleasure to be able to bring a smile to our residents’ faces and see them happy and fulfilled by participating in activities of their choice.

"A big thank you to my activities team - pulling together and delivering a stimulating activity programme for residents really is a team effort."

Julia Clinton, CEO of Sonnet Care Homes which runs the two homes, said: “We are so, so proud of Jo, she does an amazing job in providing our residents with a quality experience in our homes.

“She inspires the whole Sonnet team with her positivity and heart-felt desire to make a real difference to residents’ lives.”