A CARE home is in the running for a national design award following a £600,000 refurbishment.

The Manor House care home in Barnard Castle is one of nine finalists in the healthcare design category of the Society of British and International Design (SBID) International Design Awards.

The project was designed and managed by luxury retirement specialist Bernard Interiors who also designed the original interior, completed in 2009.

The awards recognise design excellence across 14 categories in projects from around the world.

Jas Gill, managing director of Hadrian Healthcare, who manage the home, said: "We’re absolutely delighted The Manor House is a finalist in these prestigious awards.

"The Manor House has always had a warm and welcoming feel and for the refurbishment we wanted to retain that whilst giving the main areas fresh, open plan layouts to increase the social space and make the most of the views to the gardens.

"As well as the structural changes we have elegant new bespoke panelling, soft furnishings and furniture. The refurbished areas blend seamlessly with the original timeless design, and our residents and staff are enjoying living and working in the new surroundings."

Jen Bernard, managing director of Bernard Interiors, said: "It was a real cumulative effort from our small but outstanding team and we take great pride in having reached this stage of the SBID awards.

"For Bernard Interiors it goes beyond just the aesthetic, it’s about creating a positive impact on the end user and how the spaces are used by the people that live and work in them. We are very much looking forward to the awards later this year."

The award winners will be announced in October at a ceremony at The Dorchester hotel, London.