THE manager of Malvern Link retirement home Santler Court has won a national award for outstanding dedication to the job.

Keith Johnson, regional director of McCarthy and Stone, which owns Santler Court, said Mike Hanney was chosen from all of the managers across the country because "nothing is too much trouble for him".

Mr Johnson presented Mr Hanney with a crystal bowl and framed certificate at a celebration party on Monday.

Resident Audrey Hall said she thinks Mr Hanney is an excellent house manager who thoroughly deserves the award.

"He puts everything into the job," she said. "He's here any time of the day or night if we need him. He loves people, he's just very good."

Fellow resident Dave Edgerton agreed: "He gives a sense of security to people, we know there's someone you can turn to if you want. He's a great bloke, he really is, and he's got a good sense of humour."

Mr Hanney said collecting the award was the proudest moment of his life.

"It's nice that somebody thinks I deserve this," he said. "I'm very happy, it's wonderful."

His wife, daughter and grandson watched him receive the award in front of the residents, and they toasted him before enjoying a buffet lunch.

Mr Hanney's colleagues were just as pleased to see him collect the prize.

"He goes that one step beyond what other house managers do and that's why he won the award. He always does over and above what is necessary," said colleague Maryanne Stuart.