A DARLINGTON retirement home group has won a national award for the quality of its work.

The Abbeyfield (Darlington) Society operates three retirement homes at its Danby Lodge site in Darlington, and was recently awarded the national Abbeyfield Society’s Gold Star accolade.

Achievement of the standard reflects consistently high quality services delivered by staff and volunteers, and assessment covered all facets of the society’s operation.

Chairman Bob Morrow said: “I have always been impressed by the way Abbeyfield operates but this has now been properly recognised with this award.

“The staff, officers and trustees of our society all played an important part in this achievement and we are all committed to maintaining the standard.”

The primary focus is on the care, support and involvement of residents, but other factors such as the training and involvement of staff, the quality of the accommodation and surroundings, and leadership and governance were also thoroughly examined.

Abbeyfield (Darlington) general manager Jane Elliott said: “We are all delighted. The award is a great tribute to all our staff and their dedication to the Abbeyfield vision of enhancing the quality of life for older people.”

Abbeyfield (Darlington) is a not-for-profit organisation based at Danby Lodge, Ashcroft Road, Darlington.

For more information, call 01325-369673 or email darlington@abbeyfield.com