THE Northern Echo has launched a weekly feature in which we present a bouquet of flowers to an individual or group going the extra mile in their community.

The recipient of this week’s bouquet of the week is the staff at Ventress Hall care home in Darlington, who were awarded their flowers yesterday.

Why do they deserve this gift?

Ventress Hall offers permanent and temporary nursing, residential care, dementia care and sensitive end of life care for older people who have physical disabilities.

The entire staff team was nominated by the care home’s receptionist, Karen Calvert, who wanted her colleagues to receive the praise and recognition which they deserve for their everyday hard work, which can often be overlooked.

What is the most deserving thing they have done?

Staff have worked through difficult conditions over the past few months, including a unfortunate case of Norovirus which effected residents and staff for over a week during the Christmas period.

During that time staff, carers and management have all worked together to cover shifts, taken on extra hours and adapted to different roles to their normal job to help out during a busy and demanding time.

Every one of the team deserves to be recognised for the exception help and care which they provided to residents, and for going that extra mile to make them all comfortable during that period of illness.

Describe them in three words

Caring, kind and really hardworking.

If you would like to nominate a special person or group for The Northern Echo’s Bouquet of the Week then please get in touch. You can send your nominations to jo.kelly@ newsquest.co.uk, making sure to include your contact details, or call us on 01325- 505036.

The flowers are kindly provided by the team at Heavenly Scent Florist, Bondgate, Darlington , 01325-389933.