COMMITTEE members, staff and residents at a West Devon residential home had stars in their eyes recently as they were given a coveted gold star in recognition of the accommodation's high standards.

The Abbeyfield Tavistock Society was awarded the prestigious Gold Star Standard — only the fourth to be awarded to Abbeyfield houses in the southern counties.

The house, in Plymouth Road, houses 18 elderly residents, providing sheltered accommodation and support, allowing residents to live independently for as long as possible in a warm and secure environment.

In order to satisfy the required standards needed to gain a Gold Star, the society had to meet strict criteria of more than 100 guidelines and was judged on areas, including residents and their well-being, staff and training, volunteers, marketing and leadership.

Administrator David Rees, executive committee chairman Harry Churchill and house committee chairman Graham Osbourn were instrumental in completing all the paperwork needed to qualify for the award.

The house now meets all the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard, which includes a Housing Health and Safety Ratings Survey carried out by an independent surveyor.

The award confirms that the society provides the quality of service for residents, and that the staff, trustees and volunteers have the necessary experience and skills to ensure that this is carried out.

The Gold Star award was presented by the Abbeyfield regional strategy head Phillip Pughe-Morgan, who said: 'I am delighted that Tavistock is now part of the band with stars.

'All credit is due because the prospect of carrying out the programme can seem very daunting but what's most important is not the paperwork involved but that the award is a reflection of life in the house and quality of life for the residents.

'This award is to show the outside world that the house here in Tavistock is meeting the high standards we are expecting.'

Administrator for Abbeyfield Tavistock David Rees said: 'We are delighted with the award. We worked hard to get to this position and we're pleased the day has come.

'It has taken a lot of work from everybody but we now meet all the updated requirements.'

Resident Virginia Leonard-Williams said: 'It's a wonderful place. I'm very glad we got the award, they certainly deserve it here — the committee and staff are wonderful.'

Abbeyfield Tavistock Society is always looking for volunteers for the committees and friends' group. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact 01822 614934.