A TEAM of dedicated carers in Thornton have astounded their tutors by passing NVQs in record numbers and lightning time.

Residential care home Thornton Hall and residential dementia home Thornton Lodge on Tanhouse Road only opened in December last year.

But in less than ten months a staggering 21 members of staff have successfully completed their NVQs in care.

Liverpool based Care Training Services (CTS), who work closely with owners Orchard Care Homes, were so impressed they decided to hold a special award ceremony the results.

And on Monday CTS operations director Penny Chandler, visited the homes to present certificates and share a glass of bubbly with the NVQ winners.

She said: "Congratulations to all of the staff at Thornton Hall and Lodge. They have approached their awards with enthusiasm and commitment and worked hard with CTS's assessors to improve their knowledge and expertise in care."

Home manager Paul Ashmore added: "I am so proud of the team here, they really have made a tremendous effort.

"For so many to pass their NVQs in such a short time shows fantastic commitment both to their individual development and to each other."

"But most importantly it shows just how dedicated they are to the care and comfort of our residents."

Orchard Care Homes' operations director Phil Tomlinson added: "I would like to congratulate the Thornton team for their amazing achievement.

"We are big believers in career development and have in place an excellent training programme.

"The team at Thornton have shown that together we are able to offer real opportunities for our people to better their careers."