CARE home residents in Yarnton have been holding celebrations to mark manager Sheena Montague's 30 year anniversary in nursing.

Everyone at Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home enjoyed a high tea party for the special occasion.

Over the last three decades the mother-of-three has worked in community hospitals as a ward sister and run an out-of-hours service for the terminally ill.

There was an unusual start to her career when, at 17, she was accepted in to the Metropolitan Police Service.

But she had to be 18 to officially enrol, and so travelled from her hometown of Bicester to Milton Keynes to work with a scheme that integrated adults with special needs and disabilities in to the community.

Mrs Montague said: "I loved every minute of the voluntary work at 17. I was instantly passionate about the people I was caring for.

"I wanted them to be cared for properly and have equal rights and the best possible opportunities, and that passion has never died.

"I’ve always loved being a nurse and I’m extremely proud to be one. I’ve had so many highs and I’ve worked really hard and met some fantastic people.

"There were many who I’ve grown unbreakable bonds with and some I will never forget, moments that are simply priceless."

Since completing her training Mrs Montague has run an out-of-hours service for palliative care in Buckinghamshire, worked as a ward sister in Surrey and helped out in Bicester Community Hospital.

Speaking about stepping from the NHS scene to working in a care home, Mrs Montague said: "I’ve had the most rewarding career. It was great to support the NHS and I now love being a care home manager.

"I’ve always enjoyed caring for the elderly.

"They have the most amazing stories, as well as hardships and struggles but through it all you see how much enjoyment they’ve got from life and it’s a heartwarming feeling to hear all about it and support them.

"It’s a cliché but true, care for those how you would want to be treated.

"That’s what I do and my team does, we care for residents or whoever we come across as they were members of our own family."

Residents at the care home in Rutten Lane have also been paying tribute to Mrs Montague's work.

David Clifton, 78, said: "She's an excellent choice for the job.

"She's got qualities of friendship, initiative and kindness combined with management."