STAFF who work with people with autism were recognised for their achievements at an annual awards ceremony.

More than 200 workers from Liaise Loddon attended the celebratory event at the Hampshire Court Hotel in Basingstoke, which was part of the organisation's 20th anniversary celebrations.

They were joined by The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Anne Court, ex England cricketer, Shaun Udal, and Liase Loddon's founder, Marion Cornick.

Liaise Loddon provides small, friendly, community based homes to adults with profound learning difficulties, usually associated with autism.

They have homes in Basingstoke and Romsey.

Mrs Cornick said: "Every day, our extraordinary team each change the world in small but significant ways. They create safe, stimulating and fulfilling homes for the people we support. They give our residents the power to take as much control as they can to live happy and fulfilling lives as independently as possible.

"Liaise Loddon is only as good as our staff. They're the ones delivering the care to our residents day and night. We could not make such a positive difference to the people we support without their hard work and commitment. It is important we recognise their hard work."

A number of awards were presented including Best Newcomer and Service in the Community.

Siobhan Phillips, who was the winner of Service in the Community, who also volunteers for St Michael's Hospice in Basingstoke, said: "It means a lot to be recognised. I have lots of emotions. It's fantastic."

Sam Kitojo, who received two awards - Spreading the Word and Promoting Wellbeing - said: "It's great. I couldn't have done it without my team's support. The award is under my name but it is for everybody I work with."

Mrs Cornick also presented the mayor with a donation for Ark Cancer Centre Charity, which is one of the mayor's chosen charities for the year.

Marion said: "I would imagine everyone in this room has been touched by cancer, whether it is knowing someone going through it or having lost someone to it. We are delighted to support Ark Cancer Centre Charity this year."