AN INNOVATIVE work placement scheme which has transformed the lives of two care home residents in Darlington has received a national award.

The scheme, run by Danshell services in Darlington, helps adults with learning difficulties to attend work placements to develop their practical and personal skills.

Service manager Louise Vollans and her team have helped two care home residents travel between Darlington and York on a regular basis to work in Danshell’s York office.

The residents have become an integral part of the office community and the team’s efforts in making the placement possible earned them the ‘Trailblazer Employee’ award in Danshell’s national staff recognition awards.

Danshell runs the Darlington scheme from its Newbus Grange care home in Neasham.