LANCASHIRE County Council’s services for older people has been awarded the Customer Service Excellence award.

The service runs 18 residential homes, 13 day centres and adult support services.

The service was highlighted as having strong leadership, staff willing to go the extra mile and providing more opportunities for those using the service to have their say.

County Cllr Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult services, said: “It’s great that our older people’s services have once again achieved the Customer Service Excellence certificate.

“This quality mark shows everyone that we are continuing to improve standards and putting the people who use our services, and their families or carers, at the heart of everything we do.

“The inspectors picked up on a number of points during their visit.

“These included good leadership and excellent systems that improved efficiency, ensuring staff can spend more time with people they support.

“I was particularly pleased that they highlighted staff going above and beyond to help people, including using the latest technology to help a care home resident to be part of her granddaughter’s wedding abroad.

“Staff are doing a tremendous job and the Customer Service Excellence standard shows that their hard work is paying off.”