STAFF at a Hampshire care home rated "Outstanding" have been shortlisted for a top award.

The 62-room Kingfishers complex at The Meadows, New Milton, is one of the finalists in the care team category in the National Care Awards.

Kingfishers is run by Colten Care, which operates 21 care homes in Hampshire and neighbouring counties.

The manager, Beata Brzozowska, said: “We are extremely proud to be finalists. It shows our hard work on behalf of residents is appreciated and that is great for staff morale.

“We support each other in all situations and always strive to have a positive mental attitude.”

In 2017 Kingfishers received its "Outstanding" rating from the Care Quality Commission, which regulates the industry.

Following a further inspection two years later Kingfishers retained its status, confirming its place among the top 4% of nursing homes in the country.

Positive feedback from residents and relatives also reflects the home’s success.

Writing on the public review site Carehome.co.uk, resident Terry Brown said: “The staff are all extremely friendly, caring and behave as if they have the welfare of the residents at the heart of all they do.”

Last month Avis Neville became the latest Kingfishers resident to celebrate her 100th birthday.

After leaving school at the age of 14 Avis worked at the upmarket Piccadilly department store Fortnum & Mason. She later joined the food and restaurant chain J Lyons and Co, supporting the company's presence at the Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon and royal garden parties.

Fellow Kingfishers resident Merrick Kearsey celebrated his 101st birthday in May, while in March Marjorie Nutton and Irene Harris turned 100 and 104 respectively.

The National Care Home Awards are staged by Careinfo.org.

They aim to "celebrate the very best people in the long-term care sector, highlighting excellence and rewarding those who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care".

The winners will announced at a ceremony at the Hilton London Metropole next month.