STAFF at a Herefordshire care home have been thanked for their service and dedication throughout the pandemic, with a party held in their honour.

The special event was held at Orchard House Care Home, in the village of Withington, near Hereford.

Relatives, friends and Sebastian Bowen, chairman of Herefordshire County Council, attended the party to celebrate the staff's commitment to helping the home's 28 residents over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Staff members of the care home, operated by Shaw Healthcare, were awarded for their work with certificates and chocolates.

Klaudia Zatyko, service manager, said it had been wonderful to be able to invite people back into the home for the special celebration.

"I can’t explain how proud I am of the staff here and the way everyone pulled together through what has been the most challenging time in our careers," she said.

"We are looking forward to welcoming more people from the community into the home for future events.”

Robert Brown, chief executive of Shaw Healthcare, said: “Today has been an opportunity to say massive than you and well done to the team who worked so hard during the pandemic and to let them know they are greatly appreciated.”