Loyal and dedicated staff members, who have clocked up 140 years between them, were honoured and thanked for their work at a Saffron Walden care home.

Eileen Beckwith, Heather Finch, Cilla Spray, Nic Kett, Gemma Harrison, Tania Wilson, and Barbara Farrell, from Highfield, in Mandeville Road, were all handed a long service award, along with a bunch of flowers, by MP Sir Alan Haselhurst.

Sir Alan, who has witnessed first hand the work of the staff at Highfield, said: “I know from having my parents-in-law here, the quality of the care and support that is provided.

“The fact people are getting long service awards is very important because elderly people sometimes have difficulty adjusting to the fact they are in a residential home and they value staff interaction.”

The group celebrated their achievement with a small party at the care home with their family and colleagues. The awards ranged from 10 years up to 27.

The longest serving member of staff, Eileen Beckwith, an administrator, said: “It is very nice to be recognised.

“I first started here when my children were younger. This was when it was much smaller, and as the home has grown, I have just grown with it.

“Highfield is like a comfortable shoe,” she added.