STAFF at a specialist care village are celebrating after being shortlisted for Great North West Care Awards.

Belong Atherton's lead nurse Nicola Johnstone and bistro and catering manager Christine Thomas are up for the End of Life Award and the Care Home Cook/Chef Award respectively.

Phil Orton, head of people at the Mealhouse Lane village, said: "The dedication and hard work of staff at Belong enables us to offer exceptional levels of care to our customers and I am not surprised that members of staff from Atherton have been shortlisted for Great North West Care Awards.

“The ability to provide a ‘home for life’ is a key part of our commitment to customers and we are passionate about the importance of ensuring a high quality service at every stage of life in Belong.

“We are very proud of our finalists and wish them the best of luck in the next stage of this competition.”

The awards recognise and celebrate excellence in the care sector.

The regional winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Manchester’s Mercure Hotel on Friday, November 11.