A CARER was "proud" of her achievements as she was recognised by her colleagues as Carer of the Year.

Nina Sibenik won the Bluebird Care award after a secret ballot among her colleagues, and it is a big achievement for Nina who only came to the UK a year and a half ago to work as a carer for Burnham-based Bluebird Care.

She said: “I was very surprised to have won the award because Bluebird Care has so many amazing carers but I was honoured and proud when I heard.

"When I see my clients happy and smiling that is all the reward I need. I care for my customers as if they are my mum – that’s the only way I can do the job and it is incredibly rewarding."

Bluebird Care provides care in people's own homes across Slough, South Bucks and South Wycombe.

Bluebird Care director Anne Inglis said: “Congratulations to Nina on this fantastic achievement. We have so many dedicated, compassionate and professional care staff that the competition for this award is so strong. Nina is dedicated, responsible, is always flexible and willing to help out when schedules are under pressure.

“But, equally important is that she is very popular with her colleagues and customers alike, is always smiling, caring and compassionate, and makes a positive difference to her customers’ lives every single day with her professional behaviour and mature ‘can do’ attitude.”