Exceptional commitment has won Kerri Ann Perkins the Carer of the Year title at the Orders of St John Care Trust’s Wiltshire staff awards.

The 30-year-old, who lives in Hollybush Road, Warminster, with son Kieran, 12, has been at the Woodmead Care Home in Portway for almost four years, starting as a care support worker.

Miss Perkins, who recently completed her Level 2 diploma in health and social care, was nominated by her colleagues at Woodmead for making a real difference to residents.

She picked up the award in a ceremony at the Corn Exchange, Devizes, which acknowledged staff from a number of OSJCT’s 19 homes across the county.

Miss Perkins, who went to Kingdown School, said: “It was a really nice surprise to win the award, as I really wasn’t expecting it. It was lovely just to be nominated in the first place.

“I like the holistic approach we take at Woodmead, as it’s not just about the care, it’s about all the range of other activities that we do with the residents.

“My colleagues were all really proud of me and they said they knew I would win. It was the first time I’ve been to an awards ceremony and it was a bit daunting, but I had a really good evening and enjoyed it a lot.

“I never thought I could be a carer when I was younger, but the job came up by chance and now I can’t imagine my life without it. It’s something I love doing and want to continue for many more years.”