A WHITCHURCH home care provider has received further success as it won two awards at a prestigious event in London hosted by TV star Josie Gibson.

AStar Homecare Services in Higher Heath won awards for 'Most Inspirational Carer' and 'Franchisee of the Year' and its head office was highly commended for 'Best Head Office' in the inaugural Stars of Social Care Awards which took place in the Marriot Hotel on Friday, June 16.

Managing director, Gillian Holden was pleased with the company's latest success and was pleased with the recognition of the head office.

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She said: "To put a small town on the map for us is just the best thing ever.

"I was really pleased that my head office could be recognised.

"Although they are not seen as much as the carers, without them our company would not function.

"I was very proud of the two who won the awards and they were well deserved."

Whitchurch Herald: The Whitchurch based company picked up two awards.The Whitchurch based company picked up two awards. (Image: Astar Homecare Services)

She added: "We never had and will never rest on our laurels.

"If we feel we have been successful, then we want to become even more successful.

"We always want to keep winning awards.

"The moral boost it gives people is wonderful, but also not all care stories have to be bad."

Whitchurch Herald: The office team was commended for its role.The office team was commended for its role. (Image: Astar Homecare Services)

Gillian spoke about what it was like for the company to meet Josie Gibson.

She added: "She was very down to earth and friendly.

"She was clearly very proud of everybody in the room.

"She said, whether people won or not, the fact we were in the room to be recognised for the services they provide was phenomenal."

Gillian also visited the House of Lords after being invited to the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards and the speaker was Lord Palmer of Childs Hill OBE.

Whitchurch Herald: Gillian was also invited to the House of Lords.Gillian was also invited to the House of Lords. (Image: Astar Homecare Services)

She said: The room was laid out beautifully.

"It was a prestigious afternoon tea.

"Some of the stories I heard that day literally blew my socks off.

"Although I know we do great things, it is wonderful to hear other people are doing the same.

Whitchurch Herald: Lord Palmer of Childs Hill OBE was a speaker at the event in the House of Lords.Lord Palmer of Childs Hill OBE was a speaker at the event in the House of Lords. (Image: AStar Homecare Services)

"We all shared stories and ideas.

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"There were loads."

"We were taken outside and literally on a balcony on the river.

"The view was amazing, I could see everything from Big Ben and the London Eye, it was beautiful."