A testimonial to Crest Lodge was made by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service assistant group commander Alan Grant, after a former resident who attempted to set fire to the building last December, received a court order detaining her in hospital until she is considered fit for release.

Paying tribute to the way in which the emergency evacuation was handled during the fire, which caused £26,000 worth of damage, Mr Grant said: “I was the fire investigation officer that evening and provided evidence that was submitted to Surrey Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

“The fact there were no injuries to your residents and the damage was limited to the room of origin is predominantly down to your employees’ and carers’ professionalism,evacuation procedures and actions on the evening.

“The care shown to your residents in keeping them informed and cared for while the fire service were resolving the incident was also admirable and very much valued while our duties were being undertaken.”