A Bury-based specialist home care provider has earned royal recognition from the Princess Royal Training Awards for its care training.

Alcedo Care Group had to meet "strict standards of excellence" to scoop the honour.

The awards are open to businesses across the whole of the UK and Ireland which can evidence their development and training programmes have positively impacted their success.

The awarding process is rigorous, involving an extensive written application, continuation statement, and a comprehensive interview covering all aspects of the applicant's business.

Managed by The Princess Royal, the award recognises excellent training programmes with royal approval.

Applicants need to provide facts and figures demonstrating increased staff and client satisfaction.

More specifically, businesses need to prove how successful these programmes have been in boosting turnover.

Additional details on Alcedo's investment in training, development, resources, and equipment secured their win.

Announced on Princess Anne’s birthday, August 15, managing director at Alcedo Care, Andy Boardman said: "It was a real labour of love undertaking the application for the Princess Royal Training Awards, but one we enjoyed as we were essentially able to showcase our exceptional training and development programme in our complex care division, which is a must for all staff, not just our carers.

"We are beyond thrilled that out of the 600 companies that initially registered their interest, we are one of only 52 to have met the standards required, alongside auspicious organisations such as IBM, Bentley Motor Group and the NHS to name a few who also achieved this award with Alcedo Care Group this year."

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, chief executive officer at City and Guilds, added: "This remarkable achievement has been confirmed by HRH The Princess Royal, placing you among 51 other recipients in the Class of 2024. Congratulations!"