It's five years ago this week since a carers business was "thrilled" to win a prestigious Queen's Award.

A business which provides home care to sick people has won an award.

Home Instead Senior Care, based in Epping, was given the Queen’s Award for Business Innovation.

Victoria Rigby, who runs the branch, got involved after the charity provided care to her grandfather when he was diagnosed with cancer.

The 31-year-old said: “We are thrilled with the award. It shows the community the success of our companionship-lead model.

“We run a model where the client comes first. This allows for continuity of care which builds strong relationships.”

Patients are matched with carers based on their interests and meetings last at least one hour.

Mother-of-one Ms Rigby started out working for the Warrington branch but opened the Epping Forest one in 2012.

MP Eleanor Laing visited the charity’s head office to congratulate the team last week.

She said: “I have watched with great admiration the way in which Victoria has taken this brilliant project forward over the last few years.

“I think it is the personal touch that she and her colleagues bring to their work that makes it so successful."