Two care workers have been honoured with a ‘beyond the call of duty’ award at the Surrey Care Awards 2011.

The achievements of over 300 care workers across Surrey were celebrated at a gala ceremony at the Epsom Downs Racecourse on November 18.

Out of 50 finalists, 15 winners were announced including Dawn Grant from the Queen Elizabeth Foundation Brain Injury Centre in Banstead, who was awarded the beyond the call of duty care home award.

During the adverse weather last winter she stayed overnight at the centre to help with reduced staffing levels.

Gayathri Porambage, from Ranmore House, also from Banstead, was awarded the beyond the call of duty learning disability award.

The senior care worker encourages autistic residents to share thier creative skills to alleviate distress and enhance their lives.

Erica Lockhart, chief executive of the Surrey Care Association, said: “This is our third year of the Surrey Care Awards and the response from care staff has been truly overwhelming.

“This year we had more nominations than before and it was an exceptionally difficult task to choose the winners.

“Care workers are so often the unsung heroes and we want to change that by recognising their achievements."