A selfless chef and her team from an Ipswich care home have been recognised for their cooking in a national award.

The kitchen team from Care UK’s Prince George House has been shortlisted in the Public Sector Catering Awards in the Unsung Hero category.

Caroline Lloyd, the home’s head chef, showed her commitment to the residents by moving into the care home for the Christmas period to avoid having contact with a family member who had tested positive for Covid last year.

Caroline camped out in the day centre for nearly a month to ensure residents' safety and make sure they had the perfect Christmas.

She and her kitchen assistant cooked a full Christmas meal for 120 people.

The head chef joined the home in 2013 and has been praised for ensuring that residents dine with dignity, have plenty of choice and are served great food that looks, tastes and is of the same standard as fine dining.

As part of its dining experience, the home regularly hosts themed meals and events that are chosen by the residents.

Caroline said: “Whether we’re creating appetising dishes or baking cakes for residents to enjoy with a cup of tea, we strive to make a positive impact on residents’ health and wellbeing through nutrition and hydration.

Ipswich Star: Head chef at Prince George House, Caroline Lloyd, has been shortlisted for catering award, Care UKHead chef at Prince George House, Caroline Lloyd, has been shortlisted for catering award, Care UK (Image: Care UK)

“I’m over the moon to be shortlisted for this award – I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a win.”

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Magda Kurdziel, the home manager, added that the team is “delighted” to have been shortlisted in the Unsung Hero category of the awards.

She added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Caroline, and the whole catering team at Prince George House.

“I’m so proud of what we achieve every day, and it’s fantastic that everyone’s hard work has been recognised nationally.

“Caroline and the wider catering team work incredibly hard to ensure that mealtimes are enjoyable, and that there is always a variety of tasty and nutritious meals on offer each day.”