Merian Hope has landed a top care award – just eight months into the job.
The 51-year-old, from Dalton, made a career change and is now a care assistant at Lochduhar, Dumfries.
She has been crowned newcomer of the year for Scotland and the north of England in the Barchester Care Awards. Merian, pictured, said: “I was very happy and proud to win.”
She will now meet a panel of judges for the last round of judging ahead of October’s national awards.