A care group is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary with an awards night, at which Ed Balls will be the special guest.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group will host the event on October 25 to thank its staff for their hard work, with the event doubling as a 35th anniversary celebration for the care group.

Taking place at Crown Spa Hotel in Scarborough, the evening will feature eight award presentations, a three-course dinner, dancing, and entertainment.

'Big' Ian Donaghy will be the compere.

Executive chairman Mike Padgham said: "This being our 35th anniversary adds an extra shine to our awards this year and we are all looking forward to the evening.

"It has been another busy, challenging, and exciting year for Saint Cecilia’s, and the event will be our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the wonderful staff we have and to reward their tireless efforts with the awards and an evening to remember.

"We had a fantastic event last year and look forward to another memorable night on the 25th."

The awards to be presented include the Saint Cecilia’s Values Award, Inspirational Care Worker of the Year, and the Unsung Hero Award.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group started with one care home in 1989, providing care to nine residents.

Today it counts six centres, providing care for 137 people and employing more than 200 staff.

Each centre has been celebrating the 35th anniversary with parties for residents and their families - with three afternoon teas having taken place in Scarborough, Pickering, and Whitby.

Mr Padgham added: "We are very proud to have been providing care for 35 years, but we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of the people we care for and their families and friends and of the local communities that it has been our privilege to serve.

"So, as we mark 35 years it was important that they were front and centre in our celebrations and that we said thank you for being with us on the journey.

"People are living longer, and that is a good thing.

"The demand for care and the complexity of that care has grown, whilst governments have failed to keep pace with either.

"That has left the sector facing challenges.

"But we will keep moving Saint Cecilia’s forward to meet those changing needs, and we look forward to the next 35 years!"

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group's homes include Saint Cecilia’s Care Home, Saint Cecilia’s Nursing Home, and Normanby House Care Home in Scarborough; Jubilee House Nursing Home in Whitby; and Alba Rose Care Home in Pickering.

All of the care group's homes are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.