Care home manager Sue Setters with guests, staff and residents

As it marked its 20th birthday a Dagenham care home celebrated the success of a cleaner who climbed the ranks to become manager.

Pupils from Jo Richardson perform at the bash

George Brooker House, in Dagenham Avenue, which cares for elderly people, held a party for residents and staff on June 28.

The event marked 20 years since the home was opened and was also an opportunity to highlight manager Sue Setter’s rise to care home boss.

Sue started as a cleaner in 1992, with no thought of becoming a manager one day. But staff at the time knew she had cared for her own dad when he became ill and suggested she train as a carer.

The Dagenham resident did just that and soon became a senior carer. Having enjoyed the role of leader, and after various changes and successions, Sue applied for and secured the position of house manager.

The 53-year-old said: “I never though this would happen to me all those years ago when I joined, but if you are willing and enthusiastic things can develop.”

Mayor Anthony Ramsay, his wife Cllr Jeanne Alexander and chaplain to the Queen, Rev Canon Ann Easter joined the celebrations.

Pupils from Jo Richardson School in Dagenham put on a musical performance.