A WINCHESTER-based home care group has said they will create 40 jobs by the end of the year.

Bluebird Care, which operates in Winchester, Eastleigh, Alton and Alresford, is now recruiting community care staff, and up to three office positions at their Winchester and Eastleigh branch, based in Winnall.

The community carers will work in specialist dementia care, end of life care, complex health care needs, and general care and support to enable people to remain independent in their own homes.

Claire Murphy, owner and director, said: “We were named the Winchester Small Business of the Year at the Business Excellence Awards in 2013, and since lots of people want our services, so we have more jobs to create for people in the community.”

The group has just celebrated its second birthday, and received a positive report from government regulator Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Mrs Murphy said: “We are delighted to have met all the standards the CQC have assessed us against, and over the moon to receive such fabulous compliments from our customers – it really was the best birthday present we could have asked for!”