JUDGES have selected the finalists for the second annual Daily Echo Proud to Care awards.

They examined hundreds of entries and finally came up with a shortlist of three nominees in each of the 13 categories.

We were inundated with entries when we asked the public to put forward those who go above and beyond in the care industry.

All the finalists and their guests have been invited to an awards ceremony and lunch due to take place at Bournemouth's Marsham Court Hotel on Thursday November 15.

The event will be hosted by Daily Echo Editor Andy Martin, who judged the entries along with Dee Swinton of Dorset Mind.

She said: "I am honoured to be involved in the 2018 Proud to Care Awards. It's a cause very close to my heart as in addition to my role with Dorset Mind, I have years of experience looking after my mother both at home and also when she required the support of a nursing home.

"I found the judging extremely difficult as the nominations were all so worthy of recognition. It's been very moving reading all contributions."

The judges were impressed with the high standards of entries which detailed the excellent care offered across Dorset and the New Forest.

The awards are being held in conjunction with Bournemouth and Poole councils and the winners will be announced in a special supplement in the Daily Echo on Wednesday November 21.

The Daily Echo would like to thank the Sealife Centre in Weymouth for providing complimentary family tickets to all those shortlisted for an award.

Care Home Worker of the Year (sponsored by Roostr)

Bournemouth Echo:

Lucy Frost

Madeleine Fryer

Louise Christopher

Care Home of the Year (sponsored by the Daily Echo)

The Laurels

Chaseborough House

Milton Grange, Bournemouth

Home Care Worker of the Year (sponsored by Ableworld Bournemouth)

Bournemouth Echo:

Colette Burbidge

Mandy Chalmers

Diane Redfern

Dementia Care Worker of the Year (sponsored by Care UK The Potteries)

Bournemouth Echo:

Robin Hiney - St Cecilia's

Lara Leighton - Luxurycare

Laura Anderson - Aranlaw

Young Carer of the Year (sponsored by Rotary Club of Bournemouth)

Bournemouth Echo:

Izzy Phillips

Ryu Phillips

Abbie Grounsell

Palliative Care Worker of the Year (Tender Care Services Ltd)

Bournemouth Echo:

Julie Attwater

Dr Saskie Dorman

Melissa Farmer

Volunteer Care Worker of the Year (sponsored by Luxurycare)

Bournemouth Echo:

Julie Brownsea

Eunice Howard

Dorothy Rochester

New Professional Care Worker (sponsored by Care Dynamics)

Bournemouth Echo:

Rachel Head

Molly Munday

Joanne Phillips

Family Carer of the Year (sponsored by Right at Home)

Bournemouth Echo:

Vivian Charters

Jane Cable

Learning Disability Care Worker (sponsored by Proud to Care - Bournemouth & Poole)

Bournemouth Echo:

Lesley Absolom

Hazel Noyon

Carly Houghton

Home Care Provider of the Year (sponsored by Nu Staff Image Plan)

Bournemouth Echo:

Care Dynamics

Tender Care Services Ltd

You-Cas

Special Recognition Award (sponsored by Bournemouth Careline)

Bournemouth Echo:

Suzie Woffindale

Angie Brooks

Laraine Aslan

Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by You-Cas)

Bournemouth Echo:

Bethany Williams

Amy Brewer-Smith