The manager of an Ellesmere Port-based care service for young people with learning disabilities and autism has been recognised as one of Britain’s best, after winning the Special Needs Manager Award at the National Care Awards.

Graeme Marsden has been instrumental in supporting three young men with learning disabilities and autism to live independently in their first own home in Trumans Lane, Little Sutton.

Graeme works for national social care charity, Community Integrated Care.

Graeme has helped to transform their lives, carefully creating a specially tailored home environment and delivering support which has allowed the young men to flourish.

Judges commended Graeme for his ‘compassion’, describing him as demonstrating ‘genuine leadership’.

The National Care Awards are the UK’s flagship care award event, recognising excellence of those working in the sector.

Winners at the glittering ceremony, held at London’s Hilton Metropole Hotel, were presented with their trophies by cricket legend Phil Tufnell.

Graeme Marsden said: “It was an incredible honour for me to receive this award.

“In Trumans Lane, my colleagues and I have worked hard to create the perfect first home for the people we support.

“I’m so proud to have received this accolade, but my greatest honour has been to help the three amazing people we support to lead very full, happy and independent lives.”