Oliver Smith, head chef at Wetherby Manor has been crowned the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Cook of the Year 2015. This is the third year running a Hadrian Healthcare Group chef has claimed the coveted title.

The dynamic final cook-off for the national culinary competition took place on Wednesday 10 June at Barking & Dagenham College’s Technical Skills Academy. The competition spotlights the skill, talent and dedication to excellence demonstrated by chefs in the care sector on a daily basis.

Mrs Mary Dawson celebrated her 104th birthday at The Manor House care home in Gosforth where she now lives on 12 June.

She was joined by family and friends for a special birthday lunch party.

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, met residents and staff at The Manor House, Whickham for afternoon tea on Thursday 14 May.

The visit was part of Bishop Paul’s four day Prayer Walk to get to know the people in Gateshead West Deanery, part of the Diocese of Durham. The Prayer Walk is the first of two happening this year in a cycle of walks over eight years.

Mrs May Small celebrated her 100th birthday at The Manor House, Gosforth with a special lunch party for family and friends on 15 May.

May was born in Jesmond, one of nine children, and went to Chillingham Road School. Her late husband John asked her to a ball as their first date, and May says it was love at first sight.

Staff at The Manor House care home in Barnard Castle are feeling the benefit of a new health and fitness programme, designed by Nicky Morse the home’s lifestyle coordinator.

Nicky, a qualified fitness and diet practitioner, said: “Several people were chatting about losing weight and getting fitter so we decided we could help through work.