An advisor at a new Alton care home has been bowled over after winning an industry award less than a year after the property opened its doors.

Lucy Vaughan of Alton Place was one of the big winners when Hartford Care held its annual awards ceremony at the home of Hampshire Cricket Club.

The Home Admissions Advisor was picked ahead of counterparts from around the UK to win the “Creating Communities” award at the Utilita Bowl showpiece.

It’s a big accolade for Lucy as the award was of three special prizes that showcase the firm’s “Care Values” that was handed out on the night.

Judges had a tough job as nominees received dozens of positive comments with counterparts from afar as the Midlands, Yorkshire and Devon vying for the award.

Lisa White, Operations Director at Hartford Care, called Lucy’s award “extremely well deserved”.

She added: “Lucy has brought energy, warmth and connection into Alton Place, building strong community links and creating a vibrant, welcoming environment full of life and laughter.”

The Hedge End event celebrates Hartford Care’s valued and hardworking team members from its care homes across England and Wales.

Residents, family members, visitors and team members across the company’s homes, as well as the team from central support, voted for their winners by filling in a nomination form.

Once all votes were collected, the directors at central support had the tough job of choosing the winners from all the nominations and comments provided.

Her workplace on Winchester Road opened last July and quickly became something of a local landmark, with a crane towering over The Butts and Selborne Road area during construction.

The home includes 67 en-suite bedrooms and provides residential, dementia, day, end-of-life, and respite care, with amenities including a cinema, café, and hair and beauty salon.