AN AWARD-WINNING Stroud home care provider could be named as one of the most influential and respected businesses in its sector if it claims the top accolade in a prestigious industry awards scheme this month.

DoCare, which provides home support and domiciliary care services across Gloucestershire, has been nominated as part of Care Talk magazine's Social Care Top 30 Awards. At the same time, the family-run business is also in the running for two further accolades in the Great South West Care Awards held in Bristol on November 16.

Managing director Steve Mills and his wife Una - a co-director - are contenders for the Care Employer Award on the night, while support worker Natasha Hopkins has her sights set on claiming the evening's Care Newcomer prize.

The winners of the regional event Ðpresented by comedian Dom Joly - will then progress to the national finals held next year.

DoCare's area manager for Cirencester and Cheltenham, Kerry-Ann Lees, is the current national Dementia Carer of the Year, having won the finals of the Great British Care Awards in June.

"We were thrilled when Kerry-Ann won the national award last year and are delighted that Una, Natasha and myself are in contention for further awards this year," said Steve, who launched the business in 2004.

"It is true testament to our pledge to make every day a better day and the fact that our business is founded on providing an excellent and caring service to our clients and high quality training for our team." A panel of industry experts will announce the winners of the Social Care Top 30 at a gala dinner in London on November 28, presented by BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine.