Old folk at a Hitchin care home are facing Christmas heartache after their favourite member of staff was deported – but have sent her festive cards to show she is still in their thoughts.

Westbourne Care Home residents are devastated carer Miflor Flores has had to return home to the Phillipines, having lived in the UK since September 2009 and worked at the Bedford Road home for more than three years.

At first Miflor was able to stay in the country as a student while studying health and social care, but her visa expired a year ago.

The Home Office rejected her appeal to be allowed to stay.

One resident, 97-year-old Margaret Bland, said: “One of our much-valued staff, a very nice girl and a very efficient girl has been sent back to the Phillipines.

“We were all previously shocked and upset when one of the nicest and best carers was sent back to her country of origin. It is a sad injustice.”

We were all shocked and upset when one of the nicest and best carers was sent back to her country of origin. It is a sad injustice.”

Care home manager Jill Shepherd said: “It is such a shame. All our residents believe because she has supported herself financially all the way through this process, not claimed any benefits or abused the NHS she has a right to stay here.

“Miflor initially worked in another local care home, and then transferred to Westbourne in July 2011.

“She soon became a very popular member of staff respected by residents, visitors and colleagues. She showed great empathy toward the residents, and nothing was too much trouble. As her work was of a high standard, she was soon promoted to a senior position.

“Her sudden departure from Westbourne was very distressing for the residents who looked upon her as not only a carer, but also a friend.

“It is often under estimated the impact that staff changes have on older people.

“However, our residents including Margaret are sending Miflor Christmas cards to ensure she knows they are all thinking of her during the holiday season.”