STAFF at a Skipton care home were thrilled when treated to an early Christmas gift as a thank-you for the 'exceptional' care given to a resident.

Martin Fraser, brother of the late Gordon Fraser who had been cared for in Craven Nursing Home, drove down from Edinburgh last week to present 100 members of staff at the Keighley Road home each with a £20 Morrisons' voucher as a surprise thank you, along with bouquets of flowers for the home.

Morrisons' community champion Clare Reed met Martin at the care home and added to his gift by donating gifts for the home's Christmas raffle.

Martin handed the gifts to registered manager Christine Smith saying he was wanting to treat everyone the same as they all did a valuable job. She said everyone was thrilled with the gesture.

Martin said Gordon, who died on September 7 aged 81, had travelled extensively since leaving Edinburgh in the late 1960s to work in banking in India and Africa before settling in Toronto, Canada, after meeting and marrying his wife, Margaret - known to family and friends as Lesley.

Martin said his brother loved Canada so much he took out citizenship.

Martin added: "Gordon and Lesley returned to Lesley's homeland of Yorkshire in the mid 1990s and had a few homes before finally retiring and setting at Devonshire Street, Skipton.

"Sadly he lost Lesley to cancer over 10 years ago and my first thank you to Skipton goes to the - now gone - Cross Keys pub as several regulars took the trouble to go to the funeral in Stainland, West Yorkshire. My brother took much comfort in their attendance and in particular Les and Nickie who continued to keep an eye out for my brother.

"My second thanks is to the people of Stainland and the local pub, the Duke of York, and their neighbours who supported Gordon when he lost his wife."

"Thirdly, my thanks to The Albion bar, in Skipton and very special thanks to the landlady, Sera, and her husband, Andrew, for looking out for Gordon in my absence in Scotland.

"My final thanks and the greatest goes to Christine Smith from the Craven Nursing Home. The care and attention Gordon received in his last few months was, I felt, exceptional and I thank them all sincerely.

"From your friends worldwide, Yorkshire, Skipton, Scotland and your brothers, rest in peace, Gordon."