HIS colleagues described him as a "ray of sunshine" so its not surprising that caring Benjamin Smirk has won a top award for his work.

Benjamin won the Care Home Administrator of the Year Award at Kingsley Healthcare's 20th Anniversary Celebration.

He is based at Timperley Care Home, in Mainwood Road, Timperley.

In their glowing nominations, colleagues described him as “cheerful, helpful, approachable and professional” and said he was a “ray of sunshine at Timperley Care Home, bringing happiness to all around him”.

Timperley manager Pauline Parker-Moore said: “Ben’s success is thoroughly deserved. He’s so knowledgeable and helpful.

“He is a key player in the great team I am blessed to have at Timperley.”

Among Kingsley’s other homes in the North West, Sharston House Nursing Home, in Manor Park South, Knutsford, had two award nominations, with Stacey Hinton reaching the final three shortlist for activities coordinator of the year and Sally Mault, reaching the final three shortlist for care home administrator of the year.

Kingsley Healthcare CEO Daya Thayan said Kingsley’s 20 years in business had been an “incredible journey” from one care home to the carehome.co.uk top 20 ranked large care home group today.

He said: "It has been a privilege to come to work with the amazing people I work with, the great managers who run our homes and the wonderful staff who care for our residents day in, day out,” he said during his welcoming address.

The glitzy celebration, which incorporated the Kingsley Care Awards, was hosted by local BBC presenter David Whiteley with entertainment provided by former cricketer and television celebrity Phil Tufnell, Asteria String Quartet and magician Marc Spellman.