JULIE Lawler, lifestyle coordinator at Troutbeck Care Home in Ilkley, has won Lifestyle Colleague of the Year at the Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) and Countrywide ninth Care Awards.

A spokesperson for MMCG said: "The award sponsored by Oomph! recognises a colleague in the lifestyle team who has demonstrated that they can provide a ‘needs’ led, varied and appropriate programme for those living in our homes, showing exceptional skills and creativity in planning, and delivering activities. They are also an individual who thinks about the needs of all the people living in our homes and who is inclusive and passionate about what they do.

Julie said: “I was thrilled to be nominated as a finalist, it felt like the hard work and dedication to my role had been seen outside of our home, a massive thank-you to every person that voted for me.

“I was sad to not be able to attend the awards ceremony as I was on a holiday that couldn’t be rescheduled, but my team told me all about it and took lots of pictures.

“I think winning feels empowering and makes me strive to work as hard as possible for the people in our trusted care, thank you!”