THE landlord of thousands of Oxfordshire homes is among the best for older people in the country, according to judges of the UK Housing Awards.

Soha Housing, which owns around 6,700 houses across South Oxfordshire and surrounding areas, was shortlisted in the UK best older persons’ housing provider category at the ceremony on May 1.

This came in the same week that the Centre for Housing and Support, part of the Chartered Institute of Housing, rated Soha’s independent living service as 'outstanding.'

Maureen Adams, director of customer service and operations at Soha, said: “I am thrilled that the hard work of residents, partners and our great team has been recognised nationally.

"We work with customers to make a difference to the quality of life for present and future residents.”

The organisation has been recognised as dementia-friendly this year, working with the Alzheimer’s Society.

It has also worked with Oxfordshire County Council’s Adult Social Care to launch an occupational therapy service.

Val Kir, chair of Soha’s seniors’ group said: "Soha really cares about its older residents and their independence, and as a mutual organisation - where residents can become shareholding members if they wish - residents are the real judge of their services.”