A day centre manager has reached the finals of the National Dementia Care awards.

Elaine Carruthers, manager of the Orchard Centre in Longmead Road, Epsom, was nominated in the category of best dementia manager in a community setting.

Run by Care UK, The Orchard Centre helps people with dementia to remain independent, active and socially engaged allowing them to stay living in their own homes.

Open 24 hours a day, it has become a lifeline for dementia sufferers and their families.

She said: "All the staff and clients are very happy.

"My team are wonderful and dedicated and the clients take a very active part in the day-to-day running of the centre, so I see this as a nomination for all of us."

Jeni Rushton, manager of Care UK’s Appleby House care home, which is attached to the Orchard Centre, said: "Elaine is a wonderful and caring person who has developed a unique service that helps so many people in the area.

"She has trained her team to really listen to what people say so that they can identify their needs and interests and then they create great activities that keep clients active, engaged and happy.

"The centre has the atmosphere of a club where everyone joins in and does their share, rather than the feel of care provision."

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 2, at the UK Dementia Congress in Liverpool.