STAFF at a New Milton care home are celebrating a double success.

Colten Care's Kingfishers has received the Gold Standards Framework Care Homes Accreditation Award for the high quality of care provided.

The Quality Hallmark Award was presented by the Gold Standards Framework.

Kingfishers was also rated 'outstanding' for the caring of its residents in the latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

According to the CQC: "The service was caring. People were treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Staff were highly motivated and knowledgeable about people’s needs, likes, interests and preferences."

The report added: "Staff were exceptional at encouraging and supporting people to be as independent as possible and to live the life they chose."

Overall the CQC rated Kingfishers as 'good' following the unannounced visit by inspectors in March.

Rebecca Hannam, home manager, who is currently on maternity leave, returned to The Meadows home to take part in a celebratory photoshoot with Barbara Harris, Acting Home Manager, and members of staff.

Mark Aitchison, Colten Care's chief executive, said: "These are fantastic accolades for Rebecca, Barbara and their team. They should all be justifiably very proud.

"For me it is a great example of the team working together to continue to raise their already high standards. Receiving external recognition for their efforts is testament to what they have achieved."