An ex-nurse passionate about Epsom's healthcare was asked to hand out awards to health staff working at the country's first employee-owned social enterprise of its kind.

Dot Hodgetts, from Epsom, helped present awards at CSH Surrey’s annual ceremony on Thursday at Denbies wine estate in Dorking.

CSH Surrey, based at Ewell Court, provides community NHS services - nursing, therapy and support - in the area and received 198 nominations for its 15 awards.

The organisation was the first group of nurses and therapists in England to leave the NHS and set up their own employee-owned social enterprise in 2006.

Ms Hodgetts helped present the chairman’s cup to Pippa Savage, ward matron at the New Epsom and Ewell Cottage Hospital (NEECH).

The former nurse has previously written to the Epsom Guardian praising the work of the NEECH and was asked to present the award after her letter was published in the newspaper.

It said: "The staff/nurses are obviously happy in their work as it reflects in their attitude and attentiveness to their parents, whom are obviously happy there."

Ms Hodgetts said: "I was absolutely amazed to see so many people at the awards.

"It was a privilege to give the accolades, and brilliant seeing the best of the local NHS in action at CSH Surrey.

"And it is also fantastic to have the comfort knowing that it’s CSH Surrey’s excellent nurses and therapists who provide our local community services and will look after us so well."

Adrienne Knight, headteacher of Woodlands School, for children with special needs, in Leatherhead, which won team of the year, added: "The therapists and nursing staff at Woodlands are an exceptional team and add much value to the school and its pupils."