STAFF working in North Yorkshire’s adult social care and public health services have been praised for their excellence.

As part of the county’s first Health and Adult Services Staff Excellence Awards staff working in areas including Pickering and Malton were praised for their work in categories covering areas such as innovation and development, customer excellence, dignity and respect and outstanding leadership.

Stella Pickering, who works in Pickering and has helped a 98-year-old woman who has lived alone for 50 years, was awarded in the dignity and respect category at the awards in Easingwold. Stella has supported the woman and gained her trust and she now goes to social events at least once a month, remaining in her own home.

County councillor Clare Wood, executive member for adult social care and health integration said that the area has some fantastic people working in the sector.

She said: “They are utterly professional, dedicated and motivated.

“Choosing the best of the best is never an easy task and our award-winners are all superb demonstrations of why the county’s health and adult services are so highly valued and appreciated by those whom they serve.”

Sarah Wilson, who also works in Pickering, was awarded in the supporting independence category for working with people who have had complex mental health issues while Claire Walton, who works in Malton, was awarded in the voice, choice and control category. Claire is a team manager who works with people with complex needs.