ADULT social care staff who have gone above and beyond in their work have been honoured as part of a special awards ceremony.

Colleagues from Bury social care provider Persona were recognised for making a difference in the jobs, whether at community centres, through home visits, working with older residents, or caring for people with physical and learning disabilities.

Staff and customers nominated individuals and teams for 12 categories, with the winners announced at the annual PersonAwards, held at the Elizabethan Suite in Bury Town Hall.

Manchester comedian Jonathan Mayor compered the event which was also attended by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Jane Black.

Kat Sowden, managing director of Persona Care and Support, said: “The annual PersonAwards are an opportunity to shine a light on the great work that our staff do on a daily basis.

"Every day, Persona teams are making a difference and helping our customers to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives.

“For all of them it is the caring, dedicated and professional way in which staff go about their work which is so inspirational.

“Well done to all those who were nominated for an award and to those who won on the night — you are a credit to Persona."

This year's employee of the year award went to Shirley Coyne, who has worked within learning disability services for 34 years. The award recognised the support she has provided to people with complex conditions. Judges praised her person-centred approach to supporting people and dubbed her "a role model for people entering the service".

Meanwhile, dedicated staff at Pinfold Lane Day Centre in Whitefield were presented with the team of the year award after dozens of customers nominated them for their "lifeline" support.

Kim Burke, aged 17, scooped the young carer award for her "calm and composed approach" in her work at Hoyles Park Community Centre. Miss Burke came to Persona as an apprentice in 2017 and now supports a group of adults with a range of learning, physical and emotional disabilities.

This year's awards were sponsored by various local and national businesses, including Bury-based chartered accountants Horsfield & Smith, Radcliffe-based Cuppaccinos and Bury Community Network, among others.

A full list of the winners is included below:

Employee of the year — Shirley Coyne

Team of the year — staff at Pinfold Lane Day Centre

Young carer — Kim Burke

Support service — Angela Kelly

Learner of the year — Angela Orrell

Volunteer of the year — Geoff Wigley

Innovation — Escape, a new young person's service at Bury Adult Learning Centre

Dignity — Supported Living team

Making a difference to customer — Grundy day service team

Manager of the year — Anna Craig

Shared lives — Lisa Greenhalgh

Rising star — David Pope