A group of support workers from Darlington have been congratulated by Peter Andre himself after they were highly commended at the prestigious Great British Care Awards.

The team of fourteen is operated by adult health and social care charity Making Space,  with work seeing them help vulnerable people in their own homes with day-to-day tasks, including those recently discharged from hospital.

Their regional success led them to Birmingham for the Great British Care Awards, as they were highly commended by judges for their “enthusiasm and creativity” and given a well-deserved applause from audience members.

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The hard-working group were given glowing comments from the judges as well as meeting celebrity host Peter Andre as they took their place on stage.

Judges said that the team “thought outside the box” when it came to caring for those who needed it the most.

They added: “Their flexibility and responsiveness ensured they were able to move quickly to meet the needs of those who needed to be discharged from hospital. 

“As a result of this, the service has increased in size and we are sure it will continue to thrive.”

The Northern Echo: The whole Darlington based team, pictured here.The whole Darlington based team, pictured here. (Image: FREELANCE PR)

Rebecca Liddle, registered service manager of the operating group Making Space has admitted everyone is “thrilled” with comments from the judges.

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She said: “(The team) work so hard every day to ensure the people of Darlington receive the care and support they need.

“We’re all thrilled with the judges’ comments. It was such a wonderful experience to be a part of and a memory that will last forever.

“None of us ever dreamed that we would be congratulated by a celebrity and receive applause from so many people simply for doing the jobs we love.”

The fourteen strong team were first recognised in the North East round of Covid Heroes awards last year and can now add this latest achievement to their growing list.

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Chief People Officer of Making Space, Phil Orton, said: “We’ve been blown away by how many of our Darlington colleagues have been recognised with awards this year - each of them thoroughly deserved.

“There’s no denying that the care sector can be hard work, but these are people who come to work every day with smiles on their faces, ready to do whatever it takes to help improve lives.”