STAFF at care homes across the Cotswolds have been chosen as winners in The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) Shining Stars Employee Awards 2020.

The trust, which employs over 5,200 staff across its homes and offices selected 48 winners from a shortlist of 129 finalists.

Each care home held a small staff only presentation and celebration during October. Three winners were from the Cotswolds.

Carol Smith, who works at Paternoster House, Cirencester, was named Volunteer of the Year.

Joanna Hall, who works at Jubilee Lodge, Bourton-on-the-Water, was named Activities Coordinator of the Year, with Wayne Hutcheon, who works at Edwardstow Court, Stow-on-the-Wold, named Unsung Hero of the Year.

Wayne, who joined the Trust in August 2019, was nominated for his hard work and his caring and respectful attitude to staff and residents.

He also spent many hours supporting and developing the Woodland Walk at OSJCT Edwardstow Court, alongside his day job.

On hearing that he had won the award, Wayne said: “To be numbered among the selection of outstanding people at the wonderful organisation of The Orders of St John Care Trust humbles me so incredibly.

"I have a feeling of exhilaration and gratitude welling up inside me at the arrival of this awesome news.”

Helen Bayliss, area operations director, Gloucestershire and a member of the judging said: “I would like to thank all the Gloucestershire Shining Stars Award winners for their contribution and congratulate them on winning their awards.

"It is so important to celebrate and recognise the fabulous achievements of colleagues from across Gloucestershire, each and everyone has gone out of their way to improve the lives of those living in our homes.

"We absolutely appreciate and value their contribution.”