Kingston’s Age Concern charity is celebrating an award for its pioneering ‘Stay Well at Home’ service.

The scheme has beat national competitors to win the 2013 charity award for social care and welfare.

It was presented at a ceremony in Grosvenor House Hotel on June 13.

Shane Brennan, Age Concern chief executive, said: “It’s fantastic to win the award, but what really matters is that the Stay Well service makes a real and measurable difference to older people’s ability to stay independent and enjoy good quality of life.

“This accolade is a real tribute to the dedication of the staff and volunteers who deliver the service.”

The scheme involves working with GPs to help elderly people cope with life in their own homes, without losing their independence.

The charity won The Guardian award for care of older people two years ago, and Mr Brennan was shortlisted for an award for outstanding leadership by the Charity Times.