A Croydon care-worker has been recognised as best newcomer at this year's London care awards.

Roberta Dickens, who works as a care assistant at Bluebird Care, received the gong at the Hilton Bankside Hotel last Saturday.

Inspiring the judges with her dedication to delivering an individual, personalised support experience to each of her clients every day, she stood out against competition across the capital.

Ms Dickens said: “I can’t believe that I have won, I am very proud to have been nominated, let alone win this award.

"I became a care assistant to make a difference to the lives of older people in Croydon who are struggling and need support.

“I feel so fulfilled and I enjoy all aspects of being a care assistant, from chatting over tea to helping people to maintain their dignity. I enjoy my job immensely.”

The Great London Care Awards are part of the Great British Care Awards which celebrate excellence across the social care sector.

Part of the Great British Care Awards, a series of nine regional awards celebrating excellence across the care sector, the purpose of the awards is to promote best practice within both the home care and care homes sectors, and pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

Dean Slade, Director of Bluebird Care Croydon, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that, even against tough competition, we have again won awards at this major care awards event.

"These awards are great news and I am so pleased for our staff members, it goes to show that there are some great examples of quality home care in the Borough of Croydon.”