Working from a small kitchen, the team of four headed by chef manager, Sandy Takel, provides tasty homemade lunches seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, to residents ranging from 60 to 100 years of age.

Dulverton Court is situated on the isolated Exmoor, and the remote location and harsh weather often make for challenging working conditions. But even drifts of snow didn’t stop Sandy and the team.

It was the high praise from their client and customers which caught the attention of the judges.

Mrs Griggs, a resident at Dulverton, says: "Sandy and the team couldn’t do any more for us. The food is outstanding, the service is always with a smile and they are an asset to Dulverton Court."

Mike Stables, estates manager at Dulverton Court, says: "Sandy, Maria, Esther and Louise all strive to give their very best, going above and beyond the call of duty to accommodate residents’ requests. I don’t think anyone could be more deserving of this award and I’m delighted that their hard work is acknowledged and appreciated. They embody our ethos on care and attention to individuals which Hanover strives for."

Dulverton Court was Hanover’s first Extra Care scheme and remains the smallest and remotest site among Hanover’s estates. Elior has run catering at the site for the last ten years and staffing has changed little over this time.