STAFF at Bury Crossroads Caring for Carers are enjoying a double celebration.

Not only has the Hornby Street-based organisation been given a glowing inspection report, but its founder member and honorary president Mrs Lily Reid was awarded the MBE in the New Years Honours List. The 78-year-old was presented with a bouquet by staff and management to mark her achievement.

Bury Crossroads opened in 1992 and provides practical support in the home to enable carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities. Registered to provide assistance to adults and children, the organisation has 44 staff and serves 250 families, offering a total of 700 caring hours a week.

Officials are delighted with the results of the inspection last November by the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate which looked at the policies and procedures and interviewed staff.

The inspectorate said a clear management structure was in place. The report said: "The agency has a commitment to ongoing staff training and learning and has provided the management and care support team with the knowledge and skills they need to protect and meet the needs of the people they care for."

The inspection also found the feedback from carers showed they trusted their support workers, whom they felt were reliable and knew how to do their job.

Mr Mike Davis, chairman of the board of trustees, said: "We are proud of the achievements of our staff and congratulate them on achieving the high standards of care as emphasised in the report. Bury Crossroads is truly dedicated to caring for the people of Bury."

Mrs Reid was honoured for her services to the community. Before Crossroads, she had campaigned for help and support for carers. Later, a working party was formed and she was an active member, seeking funding, setting up the scheme and negotiating with Crossroads nationally.

Joanne Brockway, manager of Bury Crossroads, said: "I personally have found Lily an inspiration. She can communicate with everyone, from a carer in distress to senior managers of social services, primary care trusts and elected councillors.

"Her understanding and insight of people is excellent. She knows exactly what to say to someone to make them feel valued and respected because she genuinely values everybody she meets.

"It is down to Lily that carers have the voice in Bury that they do and I know my own life is enriched for knowing Lily.

"Her regard and concern for carers is the very fabric of Bury Crossroads."