A DEDICATED care home manager has won an award for her work with older people.

Laura Glyde, 32, who manages Stafford Hall care home in Thundersley Park Road, Benfleet, won the “Manager of the Year” award at Essex County Council’s achievement awards ceremony at the Adult Learning Centre in Brentwood.

She was put forward for the accolade by Runwood Homes, who run Stafford Hall, for her work arranging events for the residents in her care, some of whom suffer from dementia.

Miss Glyde said: “I was gobsmacked when I won it. I am really pleased and proud of myself.

“The best part of my job is to know the residents are busy.

“They are living life with dementia. I enjoy making a difference.”

Miss Glyde has been at the home for two years and has organised various events and activities for the residents.

She is helping arrange a wartime music concert in Chelmsford’s Hylands Park this June for care home residents from across Essex The care home has also converted a former lounge into a shop, using old-fashioned scales to sell traditional treats like old English mints, rhubarb and custards and penny sweets.

The shop aims to help residents, including those who suffer from dementia, remember their youth.

They can work in the shop and sell items they have made, including knitted scarves and hats, to fellow residents and their visitors.

Miss Glyde added: “Last year we created a seaside outside the home and also had a picnic in the park event. We set up a choir last year over Christmas and they went and sung at different homes.

“People are scared of dementia, but these people here can live life with dementia. It is all about making sure they are happy.”