TWO employees at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust – which runs the mental health centre at Airedale Hospital – have won prestigious awards for their work with people with learning disabilities.

Nurse Andrew Birkenshaw and support worker Noel Brown were honoured at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards.

Mr Birkenshaw, who won the Learning Disability Nurse accolade, said: “Winning this award and to be recognised at such a high level for the work I love is the most amazing feeling in the world. It is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life.”

Mr Brown won the Support Worker prize, and said: “I never expected to win as there are so many dedicated and brilliant people out there doing what they love. It has been an honour to accept the award and be recognised for the work we do.”

He has also received the trust's patient experience award.

Debra Gilderdale, the trust’s interim director of nursing, said: “Andrew and Noel are both fantastic individuals. It’s wonderful they have been recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty.”