A TYNEDALE care home has thanked one of its hard-working staff members for 20 years of service.

Lorna Bartolome has been praised for her hard work and determination by her team members and manager as she reaches her 20th year of working at Lowgate Care Home in Hexham.

Lorna said: "Working for 20 years at Lowgate Care Home has been such an amazing experience. I cannot believe I made it! I truly appreciate that I have accomplished admirable qualities and skills as a care worker.

"On the day I stepped into Lowgate I knew it was the place where I could work with compassion and be part of a highly competent care team. I have always motivated myself for the day-to-day functioning and collaborate with the whole team at Lowgate.

"I would like to give my sincere gratitude to the residents of Lowgate Care Home, family and relatives.

"To all my previous managers and my present home manager, Karen Officer, deputy manager, Avril Sayles, for valuing and honouring Lowgate staff with equal opportunities and, appreciating staff with our differences and treating them with respect. It is my privilege that I am a part of the Lowgate team."

Karen said: “I have worked with Lorna for over 10 years, and she played a part in my induction!  She is dedicated, thorough and can always be relied upon to deliver a consistent high standard of care.  The residents, relatives, staff team and visiting professionals value Lorna and we all hope she knows this.”