A care home worker in Byfleet has been named the best in the UK for 2019.

Tracy Young works at The Chestnuts, a care home run by Downing Care in Byfleet.

She won a phenomenal 76 per cent of the public votes in her category for the annual Towergate Care Awards (2019), put on by insurance company Towergate.

Tracy has won the hearts of her team and residents at The Chestnuts after deciding to change careers and go from assistant teaching to care work.

The move has clearly been a resounding success, and Tracy celebrated her win, plus £500 of holiday vouchers, with The Chestnuts team in Byfleet.

"Tracy won the award by an overwhelming 76 per cent of the public votes in her category and after spending time with Tracy at The Chestnuts it is easy to see why she had been nominated," said Carolyn Baker-Mellor, Towergate's head of care, who presented the award.

Tracy's colleagues at Downing Care took the opportunity to heap praise on her dedication to the job.

"We are extremely proud of Tracy and appreciate her hard work. We have many worthy employees at our care homes but Tracy’s story has been particularly inspirational and moving.

"We could not be happier that her work has also been recognised by the wider public," Operations Manager Elaine Baigrie said.

The company Director Graham Elliott meanwhile pointed out the approach of Tracy and her colleagues at the care home for the way they prioritised residents.

"I am absolutely thrilled that Tracy received the award. It is a huge tribute to a wonderful carer," he said.

"There is a fantastic team spirit at The Chestnuts which puts our residents at the heart of everything we do.

"Tracy represents not just her efforts as a carer but also the efforts of a happy and dedicated team. We are proud of them all," Mr Elliott added.