STAFF at a care village are celebrating after being recognised in its latest inspection.

Belong Atherton on Mealhouse Lane has been given the highest possible rating of “outstanding” in a report by healthcare watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It was ranked “outstanding” in four out of five areas in the unannounced inspection.

The care village is currently the only provider with this score that offers nursing care for older people in Greater Manchester.

The rating places it in the top two per cent of nursing homes in the country.

The report, which was published on May 24, said that the way the care home respected human rights was a “golden thread” running through its service.

The benefits of how the care village integrates with the community was also highlighted as well as the variety of activities that are available for residents.

CQC inspectors noted that management and staff showed compassion, kindness and commitment to improve people’s lives and sharing good practice.

General manager at Belong Atherton Julie Washington said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this rating which reflects our ongoing efforts to maintain the highest quality standards.

“Over the past year, we have worked extremely hard to make further improvements.

“It is a huge testament to all the team here at Belong Atherton and they thoroughly deserve this recognition of the incredible work they do.”

In addition to the success of the CQC report, the care village has been ranked in the top 20 in the North West by homecare.co.uk.

Belong at Home, the care village's group, has also been ranked in the top 20 care providers by the website too.