FOUR Oxfordshire care workers have been recognised for their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the care of older people.

Handyman Bob Robertson, volunteer Graham Kirby and care workers Caroline Willis and Sylvia Thomson clocked up almost 100 years of work between them.

They were handed the awards by the Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), which runs county homes.

Old Marston resident Mr Robertson has worked at Townsend House in Headington for 33 years.

The former Cowley plant worker said: “My favourite part of the job is talking to people. I have met some wonderful residents in the home, some of whom I can even remember as colleagues from my time at the factory.

“I wasn’t expecting the award, but I am very happy to get it.”

Nurse Caroline Willis, 51, has worked at Westgate House in Wallingford since April 2004 and was presented with an award for her dedication to her role and the support she provides to her staff.

But the grandmother-of-one from Berinsfield, said she was “just doing her job”.

She added: “It is nice to know that you are doing things right. My favourite part of the job is caring for residents and seeing the smiles on their faces.”

Sylvia Thomson, a care assistant at Mayott House in Abingdon, has worked for the Trust for 32 years.

And Graham Kirby who is treasurer of the Friends of Glebe House in Kidlington said he was accepting the award on behalf of the organisation, who he has been associated with since the 1990s.

All four were presented with their awards at a ceremony in Lincoln Cathedral’s Chapter House, earlier this month for staff from the trust’s 73 care homes around the country.

County director Dan Hayes said: “The chairman’s commendation award recognises outstanding dedication and commitment on the part of those receiving it.

“We are extremely proud of the high standards of care we provide and recognise that this is down to the dedication shown by everyone who works at our care homes across Oxfordshire.”