A CARE home manager who has battled with cancer is celebrating 21 years of dedicated work looking after the elderly.

Single mum Kath Parkinson first joined Springhill Care Home, Accrington, as a part time book-keeper in 1986 in order to supplement her income.

Her commitment and enthusiasm to the job saw her rise through the ranks. She became manager in 1996 and in 2000 she was appointed a director of the home.

Even when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2001 the 59-year-old still showed a commitment to the job, coming in to work between bouts of chemotherapy.

Kath said: "There was never any pressure to be at my desk as I received tremendous support from everyone here. The place ran like a dream without me but all I wanted was normality back in my life.

"I love my job and couldn't wait to be back full time. No two days are ever the same here. One minute I might be dealing with a resident's false teeth. The next I might be liaising with architects planning a new extension."

The home in Fairfield Street has gone from strength to strength under Kath's management, tripling in size and becoming only the second nursing home in the country to achieve national five-star status for its facilities and the first in East Lancashire to gain the Investor in People award.

Kath, who lives in Sutherland Close, Wilpshire, added: "We have always been one step ahead and I am really proud of the fact that we have never had to compromise when it comes to the care of the residents."

The mother-of-two and grandmother-of-three is planning a slow wind down into retirement over the next few years. To celebrate her 21 years' service, Kath will celebrate with colleagues over a meal, where Springhill chairman Ken Nolan will make a presentation.

Mr Nolan said: "There is no doubt that Kath's exceptional skills have been invaluable. We're all incredibly proud of her."