A tiny care home with a huge heart is in line for a national award.

Granville Court, in Maryport, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Great British Care Awards 2020.

The home has only 11 bedrooms but is run more like a large family than a rest home according to manager Rachell Fee who nominated her staff for the award.

“They have been wonderful during lockdown," she said.

“Like other homes, we had to close to visitors but staff were determined that our residents would be made to feel as cared for as possible. The cook, who had previous experience, took over as hairdresser. Staff came in on days off to visit residents or to do activities with them. They did their shopping. They acted as any family members would.

“On top of that, every one of them was prepared to leave families and come and be locked down in the home if there was an outbreak of Covid-19.”

In fact, the home has had three positive tests including one that remains a mystery.

“One of our residents, who never leaves her room and only has contact with staff, tested positive. She was completely asymptomatic and, at the time, all staff tested negative so we have no idea how it could have happened.”

Nobody in the home has shown symptoms of the virus despite the three positive tests.

During summer residents were able to use a gazebo in the garden and the home is in the middle of preparing a summer house, complete with electricity for light and warmth. Once finished it will be turned into a Santa’s Grotto for residents and could be used for safe social-distancing visiting when appropriate.

Rachell and two other members of the team were interviewed by a panel of judges this week but will have a long wait before finding out if they are the Best British Care Home team in the country.

A gala evening will be held in Manchester in April when the results will be announced.

But Rachell, who nominated her team, said: “Win or lose, I am incredibly proud for the recognition the whole team have received through being short listed.

"They have worked tirelessly and compassionately throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They are an outstanding team and deserve the recognition of being finalists.”