An Oldham-based care company has been honoured at a national awards ceremony for social care businesses.

Visiting Angels, based at Prospect House on Featherstall Road South, were finalists at the Stars of Social Care Awards held at the Marriott Hotel in Regent's Park, London, last week.

Along with other high-quality health and social care champions across the country, the Visiting Angels were saluted at the awards, finishing as a finalist in the Marketing berth.

The awards were hosted by This Morning presenter Josie Gibson.

The achievement recognised how they had increased their portfolio, largely through word-of-mouth recommendations from their clients.

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Following the achievement, the company dedicated the praise to George, a client who the Visiting Angels looked after until his recent passing.

Roxie Taj, managing director of the Visiting Angels, said: "Where I think we succeed is in placing the most appropriate “Angel” in the right setting.

"That was certainly true for George who although from a different cultural background, really connected with his carer.

"When we first visited, George was isolated and mentally, he was in a bad place.

"We got him out on his favourite walk, to the pub to play Pool, and even on the tram to the Football Museum in Manchester, where he was reconnected to so many memories.

"People really noticed a change and George’s final days were indeed, golden."

Visiting Angels pride themselves on becoming another member of the family to those they care for.

While the Visiting Angels looked after George, his wife was then able to go out shopping, get her hair done and enjoy the respite she deserved.

Employees in the organisation are also treated like kin, and in direct contrast to so many within their field, carers receive an annual rise and even get paid for journeys to and from their client’s house.

Ms Taj said: "Personality is the key when I meet potential carers.

"Yes, they will need the necessary qualifications and experience but most of all we want to see compassion and a desire to treat clients with issues such as dementia, as if they were family.”

Ms Taj also praised the host, Gibson, describing her as “down-to-earth and friendly", adding she "might have to employ her as a Visiting Angel".

The Star Awards were presented on Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14, with the first ceremony honoured those delivering care in the community, while the second night was homes, hospitals and hospices.