A North Walsham-based social care provider is up for a national award in a 'best employer under 50' category.

Extra Care Home Services has been nominated for a Skills for Care Accolades award, which celebrates outstanding achievements of adult social care employers across England.

And the provider, which provides services around the home such as cleaning, laundry and gardening, helping elderly people live independently in their own homes for longer, has also been shortlisted in an 'Excellent Person Centred Care and Support' category in this year's Norfolk Care Awards.

Sarah Thompson, Extra Care Home Services owner and manager, said: 'When we found out that we had made the final of the Skills for Care Accolades we were delighted because it is a reward on a national stage for all our team, and the hard work they put in to make sure we offer high quality services for the people we work with.

'It is a recognition that our investment in the development of the people who work for us has paid off, and for all the hard work people put into making sure they have the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to do a great job.

'It is amazing to be recognised at national level for the work we believe so passionately in.'

Ms Thompson said they were up against an Essex care home and a home care company based in the Bournemouth area.

Skills for Care has been hosting the Accolades awards for the last 14 years honouring hundreds of organisations who all share a commitment to developing the skills and knowledge of their workforce.

Skills for Care chief executive Sharon Allen said: 'Our Accolades awards recognise the brilliant work that organisations like Extra Care Home Services do day in and day in to offer person centred services in our communities.

'It's really inspiring to hear the stories of all our finalists who overcame fierce competition to win their nomination and the ceremony publicly thanks them for the work they do supporting the people they work with to live the lives they want.'

The Accolades awards night will take place in London on March 1.

This year's Norfolk Care Awards will take place at Sprowston Manor on February 22, hosted by Karl Mins.