Dorset-based Agincare's founder has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Derek Luckhurst has grown the care provider from its first home in Weymouth to more than 20 nationwide and was recognised at the Leaders in Care Awards at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham.

The awards celebrate the achievements of care providers.

Sarah Clarke said: "It's a great honour to be able to present our first Lifetime Achievement Award to Derek Luckhurst.

"Derek has dedicated 35 years of his life to the care sector and has grown Agincare to become one of the largest independent care providers in the UK. He is therefore a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

"The event took place on the first night of The Care Show, the UK's largest completely care focused event, with leading sector figures in attendance as Derek stepped on stage to accept the award."

Mr Luckhurst was accompanied to the awards by Agincare's chief executive Raina Summerson, as well as his son, Adam, who is group sales and marketing director, and other colleagues.

Host Neil Eastwood, an international speaker and author, presented the award to Derek alongside Home Care professional editor Lee Peart and Home Car insight editor Sarah Clarke.

Mr Luckhurst said: "I was really very surprised and honoured to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.

"I am grateful to the Leaders in Care Awards for recognising me in this way. I wouldn't have achieved this is it wasn't for our chief executive Raina Summerson.

"However, the implication that 35 years represents the totality of my working lifetime underestimates the amount of enthusiasm and energy I still have to grow Agincare further; and continue to make a positive difference to the sector and those we care for.

"We do an amazing job in this industry. Every single one of us should be proud of ourselves."

In 1986, Mr Luckhurst started his first care home - Agincourt - in Weymouth and his vision was to create a new style of care home, that offered high-quality personalised care and facilities at an affordable price.

Mr Luckhurst's son, Adam Luckhurst, said: "The story of Agincare was presented to the room. I live and breathe Agincare, but it's only when you stop and listen do you fully appreciate the scale of what this man has achieved. It's beyond extraordinary. A little boy from Littlemoor in Weymouth has done what so many people can only dream of."

Agincare is still family-run and its head office is based on Portland.

For more information, visit Agincare.com

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