Southampton chef manager Verity Sims has celebrated 25 years at Anchor’s Dawson Lodge care home.

In honour of Sims’ remarkable milestone, colleagues and the residents at Anchor’s Dawson Lodge held a small party in her honour and gave her some flowers and a bottle of champagne.

“Working for Anchor over the years has been amazing, I have met people from all walks of life and heard their amazing stories,” Sims said. “Two days are never the same and although there have been challenges along the way, I’ve loved every minute.

“I’ve witnessed a lot of changes in the last 25 years, technology has become a huge part of our lives and so much has developed in the care sector too. One thing that’s never changed is I’ve always enjoyed chatting with everyone over tea and cakes and felt like I’m part of one big family here.”

Mitchelle Perry, manager of Anchor’s Dawson Lodge care home, said: “Verity is a fantastic part of the team and a much beloved figure at Anchor’s Dawson Lodge. It’s incredible to think she’s been working here for 25 years. I’m delighted for her, and I think everyone here is too.

“It’s thanks to Verity that residents enjoy delicious and nutritious high-quality meals but more than that she’s always made sure to put our residents at the centre of everything she does. She’s been an absolute inspiration to me and all her colleagues, thank you for everything Verity!”