A North Walsham home which offers care for the elderly has won a national award.

The Salvation Army's Furze Hill House has been named 'Home of the Year' at a gala ceremony held at the church and charity's annual social services convention at the Hayes Conference Centre, Derbyshire.

The North Walsham residence for older people won recognition for successfully building relations with the wider community.

Home manager, Major Doreen Bland, took her place alongside other winning managers, project workers and volunteers from across the UK and Ireland in collecting the award from The Salvation Army's territorial leaders, Commissioners John and Betty Matear.

Furze Hill House was honoured by the judges for 'building a tremendous reputation within the community since it was opened.'

Speaking from the home she has managed for the last three of her 19 years in Salvation Army ministry, Major Bland said: 'When our name was announced and I walked up to the podium, I was lost for words. I feel so happy for everyone in the staff team for all they have done to make Furze Hill House such a great place to live and work. I am equally pleased for the relatives of our residents who give us so much support.'