CARE home operator Helen McArdle has picked up an award for showing commitment to care standards and developing and training staff.

Helen McArdle Care operates 21 purpose-built care homes from Cleveland to Northumberland.

The company beat the challenge of 120 care establishments to win The Karen Rolland Memorial Trophy, awarded by Washington's Arena Learning.

More than 50 Helen McArdle Care staff have completed an NVQ at level two and three, and the company has also developed managers' qualifications to meet the required standards.

Last year, it became the only care provider in the region to win Investor In People status for the fourth time.