A CARE provider from Harrogate has become the first in North Yorkshire to achieve a gold award from Investors in People (IIP).

Continued Care, based in Hornbeam Park, has been named among the top seven per cent of accredited companies in the UK by the organisation which recognises businesses which value their staff.

The award comes in the same year the family-run business celebrates its 21st birthday.

Director Samantha Harrison said: "The care sector often comes in for criticism and it can be very demoralising for those great carers who quietly get on with their jobs and make life so much easier for the people they are helping.

"It’s fantastic to be able to say publicly what a wonderful job our staff do and to have it recognised by such a prestigious organisation.

"We have won several awards in the care industry over the last few years, and this recognition from Investors In People really is the icing on the cake for us.”