A WOMAN with epilepsy and learning difficulties has been honoured for looking after elderly people for more than 10 years.

Managers at Townsend House in Headington, Oxford, which is run by the Order of St John Care Trust, praised the hard work of volunteer Polly Saville.

The 32-year-old was presented with a Commendation for Meritorious Service by the Order of St John Care Home chairman Peter Loyd in the Chapter House at Lincoln Cathedral.

Miss Saville, a former Iffley Mead pupil, completed a care course at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College before landing a placement at Longlands, in Balfour Road, Blackbird Leys.

She volunteered there for five years before joining Townsend House.

Her mother, Sue, 67, works with autistic children for Oxfordshire County Council, Mrs Saville thanked care home managers Val Jarvis and Sharon Fenn for supporting her daughter over the years.

She added: “She works mainly in the kitchen, laying tables, washing glasses, that sort of thing.

“When she’s away they really miss her, she really is vital. It’s made her feel part of the workforce and feel empowered.

“She has lots of friends there and she’s matured because of their care and attention to her.”

Of the awards ceremony, she said: “It was a beautiful day, Polly was the youngest recipient.

“She was very nervous but I came out with her and then she went up to the stage.

“I think she was very relieved after and very proud of her certificate. She was clutching it all the way back on the train.”

Miss Saville lives with her parents in Shirelake Close, St Ebbe’s, Oxford, and volunteers at Towns-end House from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

She said: “I feel very proud. My favourite job is laying the tables at lunchtime and tea times. The staff are very friendly.”

Head of care at Townsend House Anna Clews said staff would be lost without her. She said: “We are very proud of Polly, it was very well deserved.

“She has a very important job, she does a little bit of everything, always with a big smile on her face and a giggle.”

Polly was one of 18 people from care homes in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Lincolnshire honoured for their hard work.

The four other winners from Oxfordshire were Mary Benton, care leader at Lincoln House, Banbury, Wendy Bowd, activities co-ordinator at Westgate House, Wallingford, Julie Bowie, management accountant at the Oxfordshire county office, and Derek Freegard, handyman at Lake House, Adderbury.