A Bradford man has been named national home care worker of the year.

Rupert Campbell, who is based at Bluebird Care’s Shipley office, was named the winner of the competition at a black tie awards ceremony held at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

The Great British Care Awards involves a series of regional events and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector. The purpose of the awards is to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.

Mr Campbell, 63, of Manningham, said: “I was shocked and elated to hear my name announced for the national care worker award.

“I can honestly say I am still stunned and shocked to have won, but also very proud to be able to see the reaction of my family to this achievement.”

Mr Campbell began his career in care in 1996 as a care assistant and driver and since then has gained experience in many settings. Bluebird Care visits people in their own homes rather than them having to go into residential care.

Richard Asbridge, care home manager at Bluebird, said: “Rupert has an uncanny sense of empathy and patience. He treats every day as an honour and privilege, to have such a significant role to play in our customers’ daily life, and combined with his natural Caribbean exuberance, you have the most sensitive and genuine care worker.

“Rupert works many double-up calls and this makes him a perfect team player, always ready to help his fellow care workers or family members through the most difficult times. He is a very popular care worker with his fellow colleagues who all want to work with him because of his humour and ease of working. His customers all look forward to him coming and enjoy his company.”

Bluebird Care’s Gillian Parsons was also among the finalists and came runner-up in the Dementia Care Worker category.

John Sutcliffe, director at the company’s Bradford North operations, said: “It started almost a year ago with the nominations for the regional awards, then the interviews, the ceremony in York, followed by the interview for the nationals in London and culminating in the awards in London at the weekend. I am very proud of the whole team and to have won the award means everything to us.”