A care and nursing agency welcomed some of its longest serving carers to a celebratory lunch.

Consultus Care and Nursing Limited invited 30 members of staff to the event at its newly extended head office in Tonbridge.

The annual luncheon and awards ceremony recognises the wonderful contribution staff, some of whom have enjoyed careers spanning over 25 years, make to the company.

Consultus was especially delighted to have broadcaster and campaigner, Dame Esther Rantzen, present the awards.

Miss Rantzen's charity, The Silver Line, provides a 24-hour phone line for elderly people and with the aid of Big Lottery Funding and support from corporate partners has now answered more than 550,000 calls from lonely and vulnerable people.

Dame Esther, who presented awards to deserving carers, understands how the right care transforms the lives of individuals needing extra support. She said: “It’s a combination of skill, commitment and a real connection with their clients.”

"We rely on our carers and nurses to deliver outstanding care and we were delighted to celebrate their special contribution with them" - Peter Seldon

Peter Seldon, CEO of Consultus, said “I was delighted that Dame Esther was able to join us as it was a double celebration. We paid tribute to our wonderful carers and nurses who make a real difference to peoples’ lives and also officially opened our lovely new office space, to house our growing company.

"As Consultus goes from strength to strength, it is reassuring to be a part of a 24/7 support network that brings the undoubted benefits of Live-in Care and Nursing into the lives of many older people throughout the country.

"We rely on our carers and nurses to deliver outstanding care and we were delighted to celebrate their special contribution with them.

"As a founding member of The Silver Line, Consultus is happy to volunteer our time and we’re delighted with the continued success of this amazing project as it continues to expand the horizons of elderly people who feel lonely or isolated.”