A Kings Langley carer has hailed her "wonderful" care home after celebrating 30 years there.

Sharon Bell has worked at Friars Mead as an ever-present, starting as a young carer and rising to deputy manager.

The milestone coincided with the 30th anniversary of the home, which is managed by the Abbeyfield Hertfordshire Residential Care Society.

Sharon said: “I have loved every minute of the last 30 years and it really is a testament to what a wonderful place it is to work that so many of my colleagues have also spent decades here caring for our residents. 

"There have been many challenges, particularly this past year, but the residents and the staff all make it such a welcoming place every day that sometimes it doesn’t feel like work at all.

“I’m looking forward to whatever the future has in store, especially a big party with our residents and their families once the COVID restrictions are lifted.”

Residents and staff celebrated both inside and in the Friars Mead garden with glasses of prosecco, a toast and a special cake, and they all sang along to Sir Cliff Richard’s ‘Congratulations’. 

Sharon was also presented with gifts including a bracelet and necklace, a personalised notebook and some flowers.

Activity Coordinator Lindsey Mills said: “Sharon’s door is always open. She is always smiling and you are never fearful of going to her for anything. 

She is very complimentary of a job well done, and always has a positive way of looking at how we can change things if something isn’t quite right.”