A WREXHAM care home has won a prestigious national award for its staff's dedication to keeping residents safe during the pandemic.

Cherry Tree Care Home, in Coedpoeth, has been handed a St David's Award after staff members chose to live in facility for six weeks during the first lockdown to help protect their residents.

The care home, and its fellow Wrexham-based Bay Tree House sister facility, made the tough decision to lockdown during the first wave of the pandemic in April as the virus swept through care homes across the UK.

Cherry Tree Care Home manager, Tracy Campbell, says the move has almost certainly saved lives.

She told the Leader: "We didn't have any Covid deaths during the first wave and I firmly believe that the decision to lock the home down when we did almost definitely saved the lives of some of our residents.

"And the staff members who did stay were more than willing to stay longer if necessary, such is their dedication to keeping our residents safe."

And in recognition for their efforts, the care home has been given the St David's Award for Critical Worker and were notified of their achievement by First Minister Mark Drakeford at a virtual ceremony last week.

Tracy added: "I'm immensely proud of all the staff at Cherry Tree and Bay Tree - they are some of the most dedicated and compassionate social care workers you could ever wish to meet.

"While this award has been given to Cherry Tree, it's recognition of the amazing efforts by staff at both our care homes in Wrexham."

Speaking at the virtual event, the First Minister said: “This year’s St David Awards finalists are an inspiring group of people that we are lucky to have living and working in Wales.

“The past year has been incredibly challenging time. The coronavirus pandemic has brought much sadness and heartbreak – but it has also brought out the best in many people. The winners tonight are just a small proportion of those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and are a true inspiration to us all."