The winners of the inaugural Cornish Guardian Community Awards were announced last night at a gala awards ceremony at the Atlantic Hotel, Newquay.

Crantock Lodge care home sponsored the Adult Carer of the Year category to recognise the unsung heroes in Cornwall that provide high quality care to adults and the elderly on a daily basis.

St Austell Community Kitchen (STAK) is a charitable organisation run by Kim Matthews with husband David and provides hot meals to the vulnerable and needy. It is funded by donations of food and money by people of St Austell, the churches and other local groups.

Sarah Shaw of Crantock Lodge said: “There’s a saying that a society should be judged on the way it treats its weakest and most vulnerable members. At Crantock Lodge care home we believe that everyone is entitled to the highest quality of care. We understand the challenges of providing the best care and we acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices required by people to look after someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“We were delighted to sponsor the Adult Carer of the Year Award and I can’t think of a more worthy winner – for over 20 years Kim and her team have making a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community. They fully deserve this accolade.”