The Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Cahal Burke and local MP Jason McCartney were the guests of honour at a ceremony which saw a record number of carers being honoured for the care they provide which enables people to remain in their own homes.

And all the awards were based on nominations provided by people who receive this care.

This was the third year that Caremark Kirklees has held its carer of the year awards, which are presented at a special ceremony (held over two sessions) in Brooke’s Mill, Huddersfield, where the family-run company has its head office.

Councillor Cahal Burke, handed out prizes to the carers attending the morning session, with Colne Valley MP Jason McCarthy taking over presentation duties in the afternoon.

Each of the 70 carers (a record number) who attended had their nomination read out to them before receiving a certificate, medal, and commemorative pen.

All the nominations were then used to determine the overall carer of the year, as well as several special awards, including those for long service.

The carer of the year award went to Rabia Medlock, who won it for the third consecutive year.

One customer said: “Her care is done well, and nothing is missed. She always comes on time and it’s nice to have a chat with her.”

Another said: “Rabia always gets me laughing with her stories and comments. She goes over and above to make sure I am comfortable for the day, and I look forward to seeing her.”

Rabia said: “I couldn’t believe it when my name was read out again. To win it once was nice but to have now won it three times in a row is beyond my wildest dreams. I couldn’t be happier to know people I care for think so highly of me.”

Caremark Kirklees Director Fiona Smith, who runs the company with her husband Duncan, said: “This is our favourite day of the year because it gives us the opportunity to thank our carers for everything they do.

“Every single one of our carers are winners. Their loyalty and commitment to Caremark is inspiring and we are proud to lead such a compassionate and hard-working team.”

The Mayor of Kirklees said: “It never ceases to amaze me that we have so many people who improve the well-being of others ahead of their own and on behalf of the citizens of Kirklees I want to thank the carers for the incredible work they do.”

Jason McCartney said: “It was an absolute honour to be invited to the awards to hear about the kindness, compassion and professionalism the carers show, and I would be very proud to have Caremark looking after my own parents.”