AN “exceptional” Sidmouth care assistant celebrated a double delight after she was awarded two top accolades.

AN “exceptional” Sidmouth care assistant got a double delight after she landed two top awards.

Simone Othen, 21, who works at Radway Lodge, was named Exeter College’s 2010 apprentice of the year and health and social apprentice of the year.

Simone, of Hillside, Sidbury, last year divided her time between study at the college and putting theory into practice at the residential care home in Vicarage Road.

She completed her entire apprenticeship framework between October 2009 and May last year.

Simone’s ability to meet deadlines and the standard of her work was hailed as “exceptional” by college teaching staff.

Now a fully fledged care assistant, Simone, also a former Sidmouth College student, said: “I’m really pleased and didn’t expect it at all. I love my work.”

Simone has been involved with Radway Lodge since she was 14.

Care manager Carol Magee said: “Our residents are thrilled, they think she is wonderful. Simone really deserved this.”

Karen Hillier, a Radway Lodge partner, added: “For us this is very prestigious. Simone has achieved so much in the last year.”