A CARE worker from Dursley has received a prestigious award from the British branch of the world’s oldest order of chivalry – the Sovereign Order of Malta.

The ceremony for workers from the Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), which was held at the Brompton Oratory in London, was attended by hundreds of people including Knights and Dames of the Order, the Venerable Order of St. John and World Ambassadors.

Sian Sparrow, home manager at Henlow Court on Henlow Drive, was recognized for her endless enthusiasm and passion for elderly care throughout her 21 years at the trust.

She was awarded the Silver Medal of Merit for her work, which included being responsible for the development of the lounges, a garden room, a sensory garden and a sweet trolley to give the residents a more homely atmosphere.

OSJCT Gloucestershire assistant operations director, Kevin Hall, said the annual Order of Malta Awards Ceremony was an important event for the trust.

“The Order is very selective when choosing recipients, so it is very special for staff like Sian to have their hard work recognised and be awarded for going above and beyond their normal duties.

“To see staff from our homes receiving these prestigious awards speaks volumes about the high standard of care provided by the Trust, and we couldn’t be prouder of the example these exceptional people have set.”

Established in 1991, the OSJCT’s provides care for older people of any background.

The trust operates 69 homes, across four counties as well as seven extra care schemes, caring for over 3,500 residents.

The Order of Malta is one of the sponsoring Orders of OSJCT (the other being the Venerable Order of St John), and it provides eight of its trustees.