A "remarkable" Norfolk social work team has been named as the overall social workers of the year at a national awards event.

The People From Abroad Team, from Norfolk County Council, were crowned the "winners of winners" at the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards in London on November 8.

The team was also recognised as the Team of the Year for Children's Services.

The awards, founded in 2006 by Beverley Williams MBE, celebrate social work and aim to promote positive stories from the profession.

The People From Abroad Team were praised by the judging panel for their work.

The panel said: “The People from Abroad Team stood out as a group of social workers who have enabled the displaced and often stigmatised people they support to feel welcome, comfortable and safe.”

READ MORE: Carols by candlelight for lifeboat charity at Norfolk church

The team has faced significant demand for services in recent years.

They provided support for more than 100 asylum seekers during the Covid-19 pandemic, helped resettle families after the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, and supported Ukrainian families dealing with trauma.

Holly Smith from the People From Abroad Team said: “This is just amazing and such a surprise.

"We love what we do because the people we work with are amazing, they've overcome adversity, and it makes us go that extra mile for them.

"What is most important to us is empowering people to gain their independence, we know that we’ve done our best and have made enough change that they won’t come back into the service.”

Maris Stratulis, national director of BASW England, said: “What a fantastic achievement, well done to the ‘People from Abroad team’ at Norfolk County Council on winning the overall award in recognition of your outstanding collective efforts going above and beyond to provide essential support to displaced adults, children and families."

The awards were supported by the British Association of Social Workers England.