A funeral company has become the latest organisation to back the Norfolk Care Awards by sponsoring an award.

Gordon Barber Funeral Directors, based on Aylsham Road, Norwich, has agreed to sponsor the ''effective co-ordination of end-of-life care' award at the event.

The awards, which take place at Sprowston Manor on February 23 next year, celebrate the best within the county's care sector.

The shortlisted candidates were announced in December.

Rachael Barber, of Gordon Barber Funeral Directors, said: 'At Gordon Barber we wanted to sponsor this particular award because end-of-life care is very important to us.

'As an established funeral business we care for bereaved families, but also place a great deal of importance on respect and care for the deceased and are committed to improving the welfare of all who live in this community.'

There are nine categories in total. They are: delivering excellence through learning and development; effective co-ordination of end-of-life care; excellent person-centred care and support; excellence in delivering dementia care; most supportive employer (student placement); motivational leadership; promoting dignity and respect in everyday life or unpaid carer; rising star; TEAM award (Together Everyone Achieved More).

Claire Gilbert, one of the event's organisers, said: 'We are excited about seeing all the great practice from across Norfolk.'

As well as Gordon Barber Funeral Directors, the Norfolk Care Awards are supported by Norfolk County Council, Norfolk and Suffolk Dementia Alliance, the University of East Anglia, City College Norwich, Athena Care, Well Careplus, Libby Ferris Flowers, Ashton Legal and Archant.

Have you got a story about the care sector? Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk