TWO staff members at Dalmellington Care Centre have won an award for their catering expertise.

Fiona Murdoch and Leslay Eccles were declared winners of the Nutrition and Eating Well category at the Scottish Care Awards 2018.

They were presented with the award at a ceremony in Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel, hosted by Michelle McManus, with more than 650 people attending.

Centre Manager Rae Murphy, who nominated the duo, said: “Over the last five years there has been continual improvement in food choices. The staff recently were awarded the Healthy Eating Award.

“All food is supplied fresh. We have fresh fruit and veg delivered twice a week and home baking seven days a week.

“The staff are also involved with the local community and supply cakes to the over 60s on a Friday where the three local care homes attend and they are a very important part of not only the care home but the local community.”

Both ladies were surprised but delighted to win the honour, while host Michelle McManus also praised everyone concerned.

She said: “The Scottish Care Home Awards are always one of the highlights of my year. It is an emotional night where we get to see the very best of the care sector in Scotland and it is an honour to meet these truly deserving individuals and teams.

“The care home workforce in Scotland deserves to be celebrated and I wish to heartily congratulate all the 2018 finalists and winners.”

A full day conference preceded the awards, with guest speakers including Dalmellington’s MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Jeane Freeman.

Chief executive of Scottish Care, Dr Donald Macaskill, added: “The winners of these awards are the crème de la crème of an extremely dedicated and passionate workforce that deserve recognition.”