A care home assistant who "personifies kindness" has been given a top award for her exceptional service.

Susan Magomo, from Dartford, won a Heart of Gold Award at a ceremony at Heathfield Court Care Home in Northumberland Heath on October 30.

Nominations for the awards come from residents, relatives and co-workers. Ms Magomo was then picked by previous winners to be given the prestigious award.

She said: "Susan said: “This is amazing! I am so honoured to have become this years’ Ambassador. The residents here at Heathfield are everything to me – I love spending time with them and helping and supporting them the best I can. I hope to make a difference to their life every day. Thank you to all those who nominated me”.

Heart of Gold awards are given to employees for dedicated and high quality compassion at the care homes.

Ms Magomo was given a Tiffany necklace to commemorate her success by Alnur Dhanani, chairman of Carebase, the company that owns Heathfield Court.

Janet Collings, manager of Heathfield Court said: “Susan works as part of the nursing unit team.

"She personifies kindness. Her smile lights up the home and she is highly valued and much loved by residents, relatives and staff alike. This is a very well-deserved award and we are all thrilled for her”.