AN extra support independent living scheme hosted a garden party last month (Saturday August 24) to celebrate winning a national award.

Broadway House in Sandhurst invited residents and their friends and family to an afternoon of fun to celebrate winning two Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) awards in May this year.

READ MORE: Broadway House in Sandhurst celebrates bronze award at national awards.

The scheme, run by Silva Homes, was awarded Gold in the regional awards for care schemes under 41 units and Bronze in the national awards of the same category.

Each year the EAC recognises and celebrates the best specialist housing for elderly people with the aim to help improve peoples lives.

The afternoon was filled with live music and good old fashioned sing-alongs with celebratory cake.

Laura Johnson, executive director for Assets and Growth, also gave a congratulatory speech.

Scheme manager of Broadway House, Karen Thomas, said: "I was absolutely delighted when Broadway House won these EAC awards.

"Every day our team goes beyond the call of duty to help our residents feel independent and part of a vibrant social community.

"Working alongside such wonderful people and in so lovely a setting is a real privilege and these celebrations are thoroughly deserved."

Since 2013, Broadway House has received 5 housing awards from the EAC.

Ben Shephard even commented on the celebrations on Twitter after being tagged in Silva Homes' post.

This year, Liscombe House, another Silva Homes’ Bracknell-based independent living schemes, also won a Silver Award for Best Retirement Housing schemes, in the 31 – 36 units category.

Winners are chosen in a vote, which is open to all residents of all housing for later life schemes in the UK, as well as visitors and staff.

These awards are becoming increasingly competitive and this year a record 18990 votes were cast, nominating 1220 schemes managed by 190 organisations.