A firm working to reverse negative quality ratings at its two north Norfolk care homes has taken over a third in the district.

North Norfolk News: David Finch, managing director of Cephas Care. Picture: Cephas CareDavid Finch, managing director of Cephas Care. Picture: Cephas Care (Image: Cephas Care)

Ipswich-based Cephas Care has bought Sun Court Nursing Home in Morris Street, Sheringham from previous owners Jan and Tim Leadbeater.

Cephas' managing director David Finch said they planned to invest more than £100,000 in Sun Court over the next two years.

Mr Finch said: "Sun Court was a home that fitted our ethos as it is very homely, and the staff are dedicated to the care of the residents.

"We were pleased that the current staff including the management team have remained in place as we know the sale of a home can be a very stressful time."

North Norfolk News: Clarence House residential home in Mundesley, owned by Ipswich-based Cephas Care. Picture: Google StreetViewClarence House residential home in Mundesley, owned by Ipswich-based Cephas Care. Picture: Google StreetView (Image: Archant)

Cephas also owns Dunsland and Clarence House care homes, which are both in Mundesley.

Dunsland, which homes to up to 14 people with learning disabilities, was rated 'inadequate' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on August 29, and Clarence House, a 41-bed home for the elderly, was rated 'requires improvement' on April 4.

Mr Finch said Cephas had made "great strides" at Dunsland since the inspection and had already invested more than £40,000 in the property, with more to follow over the next few months.

He said: "We look forward to our return inspection which is due early next year."

North Norfolk News: Dunsland, in Paston Road, Mundesley. Picture: Google.Dunsland, in Paston Road, Mundesley. Picture: Google. (Image: Archant)

Cephas took over Clarence House in May 2018.

Mr Finch said of that home: "We had an independent inspection carried out shortly after we took over which showed the home to be inadequate in all areas so were pleased that only eight months in we had taken that to three areas of 'good' and two of 'requires improvement'.

"Again we have invested in Clarence House as it had suffered a lack of investment.

"We again look forward to our next inspection. In both reports it shows that our residents are happy and we have a good dedicated staff team who I would like to personally thank for all their hard work."

Mr Finch said he also wanted to thank Mr and Mrs Ledbeater for all their contribution at Sun Court, which has a 'good' CQC rating.

The couple, who have been involved in social care for more than 35 years, won a Harold Bodmer outstanding achievement award at the Norfolk Care Awards in February.