A DEDICATED carer has been recognised with a regional award for his work supporting a man with cerebral palsy.

Gary Pinfold has been named Home Care Worker of the Year at this year's East of England Care Awards for his role as a carer for Toby, a 24-year-old from Colchester.

As part of a team of four, Mr Pinfold, who also lives in Colchester, helps Toby carry out a range of day-to-day activities, aiming to maintain as much of a normal life for him as possible.

After winning the award Mr Pinfold: "I'm actually at a loss for words. It is as a team we excel, all parts pulling together all for the one purpose - to make Roby's life as fulfilling, rich and engaging as practically possible.

"Having a disability should never hold anybody bad."

Described by his work colleagues as "professional to the core but with extreme care at all times" Mr Pinfold was nominated by Anglia Case Management, who organise Toby's care and team of helpers.

The team as a whole were also nominated in the Home Care Team of the Year category at the awards.

Linda Sayers, registered manager of the company, said: "It is a huge achievement, we're so proud of all of out support workers."

Having won the East of England category, Mr Pinfold will now face further interviews before the national finals of Great British Care Awards in March.