A Wrexham care home worker has won an award for going the "extra smile" in everything she does.

Divya Baskota, a care practitioner at Pendine Park's Highfield Nursing Home has been named the overall winner of the care provider's annual Smile Awards.

The Smile Awards are given to staff who bring joy to the residents they care for.

Ms Baskota, who has been described as a "ray of sunshine," was chosen as the winner after votes from her colleagues and relatives.

Divya and Jason (Image: Supplied) Having worked at the care home for about six months, she is said to treat the residents like her own grandparents.

Laura Shone, a trainer, said: "It was just so well deserved.

"I personally nominated her and then the residents also nominated her. What they said about her is what I would say about her too.

"She is a ray of sunshine. She’s always happy, always got a smile, very helpful, just a genuinely nice person.

"She never stops smiling from the minute she gets in, to the minute she goes home.

The Smile Awards also recognised award-winning international illustrator, Jason Bennion, who was given a Special Smile Award (Image: Supplied) "A resident might be poorly and a smile just brightens their day - that’s what Divya does for our residents.

"She chats to them and helps them, but a smile goes an awful long way. "

Ms Baskota expressed her gratitude for the award and the support she has received from everyone at the home.

She said: "Everyone is very nice. I love my job.

"And the residents are very nice, I like to help them. All the residents are like my grandmother or grandfather."

The Smile Awards also recognised award-winning international illustrator, Jason Bennion, who was given a Special Smile Award.

Mr Bennion is a member of Pendine Park’s enrichment activities team, leading art workshops for residents in the company’s homes.

He said: "The award came as a complete surprise and I was really flattered, it’s a really nice thing.

"I make the art sessions fun, I try to work out what the residents enjoy doing, and we genuinely have a really good laugh.

"I find it very rewarding, and very emotional at times, and I find it inspiring, the residents have inspired me.

"It is a very satisfying role, especially when the care staff tell me they are seeing a positive difference in the residents who are taking part in the art sessions.

"I love what I do. I feel very lucky and privileged to do what I do. I really look forward to going in."

Tracey Smith, manager at Highfield Nursing Home, said: "Divya is always positive, she’s always smiling, nothing is too much trouble.

"She makes the residents feel good and she’s a fantastic team member.

"And Jason’s art classes have become very popular, the residents really look forward to their art class.

"He’s lovely with the residents, he’s interested in them, he’s very calm."

Sarah Edwards, consultant artist in residence at Pendine Park, who helped organise and publicise the Smile Awards, said: "Everybody was encouraged to vote and the Smile Awards proved very popular.

"It’s always important to celebrate the great work we all do, and for everybody’s contribution to be recognised."