A CARE village has received the highest possible accreditation for end of life care at an awards ceremony.

Belong Atherton has been awarded "Platinum" status by the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Centre.

GSF is the UK organisation responsible for maintaining quality standards in the care sector.

The Mealhouse Lane facility is one of two in the group, along with its sister care village in Wigan, which was handed the award.

They also achieved the GSF's highest-ranking Quality Hallmark Award for demonstrating excellence in standards and showcasing best practice in end of life care.

Belong chief operating officer, Stacey McCann, said: “We are thrilled to attain the GSF Quality Hallmark Award at Platinum status.

"This incredible achievement is recognition of the professionalism of our people and their provision of the highest quality end of life care possible.

"And I would like to thank all colleagues for their endless dedication to driving the standards that have led to this accolade.”

Already a holder of the "Gold" award, Belong was praised by assessors for its commitment to the improvement of its provision across each village's six 24-hour households.

This caters for people who require nursing, residential and dementia needs.

In the GSF's final report, the presence of personalised end of life care plans was highlighted.

The inspectors also observed the extensive social, physical and emotional support offered to residents and their families.

A new IT system to monitor and review each of these individual cases was picked as a key to the high standard of care provided.

The care service provider was officially presented with its accreditation at an awards ceremony at the Ambassadors Hotel in London.