A care home manager has won a national award.

Lilac Lodge care home manager Zena Stotter was crowned Care Home Manager of the Year at Kingsley Healthcare’s 25th anniversary awards.

Mrs Stotter, who has been manager at the CQC good-rated home in Gorleston Road, Oulton Broad, for nine years, described it as "a very proud moment" when she was announced as the winner.

Kingsley’s 25th anniversary celebration and awards ceremony was held at Milsom Kesgrave Hall, near Ipswich, with around 300 staff and business partners attending.

READ MORE: New kiosks and upgraded toilets with 'living eco-roof' unveiled in historic area

The event was hosted by BBC sports presenter Gabby Logan and ITV Anglia news anchor David Whiteley.

Judges said: “Zena’s standards for her residents at Lilac Lodge are set exceptionally high and she never wavers from them.

“Balancing her stoic nature with an inherent heart for caring, she is always supportive, has excellent communication skills and provides a security that her team and residents thrive on.”

They added that it was a credit to Zena's "outstanding leadership" that Kingsley's very first care home maintains an "excellent reputation" in the community.

READ MORE: Meteor shower with 'very bright' shooting stars to be visible over Suffolk

Mrs Stotter, who has worked in care for nearly 25 years and was with Suffolk County Council before taking up her current role, said: “Lilac really feels a special place.

"We have got a fantastic staff team and it feels like working with your own family.

“We are very resident-orientated and it is lovely when visitors comment on the welcoming atmosphere and say how homely it is.”

Mrs Stotter won Kingsley’s East regional award in the summer and was competing in the national final against the other regional winners, Rebecca Hebditch, from Branksome Heights care home in Dorset, and Joanne Robb, from Gower Gardens care home, near Birmingham.