Two Wiltshire carers have been recognised nationally for their work at a home saved by a community campaign.

Both Alan Watters and Laura Rawlings won big at the national Agincare Heroes Awards for their work at Furlong Close in Rowde.

75-year-old Mr Watters, from Rowde, triumphed in the Volunteer of the Year category while Ms Rawlings, from Devizes, was named Care and Support Worker of the Year.

The pair said they were shocked by their double victory.

Alan Watters and Laura RawlingsAlan Watters and Laura Rawlings (Image: Alan Watters)

Mr Watters said: “We were absolutely gobsmacked but delighted, in true ‘Oscars style’, the gold envelopes were opened.

“Amazingly it was two out of two for Furlong Close and apparently we are the only finalists from Rowde to even ever make it to the awards ceremony.

“In our eyes though, all the residents, workers, and helpers at Furlong Close in Rowde are heroes.”

Furlong Close was saved from closure in 2022 following a two-year campaign by villagers and family members.

Agincare Enable has since cared for almost 30 adults at the site who live under a campus style model.