A care leader from Wrexham was recently honoured at the 2024 Wales Care Awards for her hard work.

Jayne Owen was recognised with a silver award as she heads into retirement.

The 65-year-old worked for 39 years at the Wrexham County Borough Council where she started as a cook in a residential home and then bloomed into a manager and delivered training to others.

She worked for the authority's Workforce Development Team and was described by her colleagues as 'the role model we all aspire to be.'

Her dedication and commitment saw her shortlisted for the Commitment to Training and Workforce Development Award.

The awards ceremony took place on October 18 at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

Ms Owen said: "It was a lovely surprise to hear I'd been nominated, it came as a complete shock but it's so nice to be recognised.

"It's the icing on the cake after 39 years."

Her former colleagues praised her for treating people with a 'kind and caring heart' and 'mounds of patience.'

In 2007, she was appointed team leader of the qualification centre, where she mentored staff and shared her extensive knowledge and skills.

(Centre) Jane Owen and Cllr Beryl Blackmore Mayor of Wrexham along with Jane Owens former work colleagues. (Image: Mandy Jones)

She was also recognised for her empathy and understanding in supporting care homes dealing with dementia patients, drawing from her own mother's diagnosis.

Tracey Evans, an assessor who nominated her, said: "Jayne is often referred to as the role model we all aspire to be.

"She is a compassionate and empathetic leader who really understands the importance and benefits that can be gained from respecting others' views and opinions and the positive contribution that others bring to a team.

"She treats everyone with the utmost respect and dignity and has the skills to instil confidence and empower her team to utilise their skills and also to embrace opportunities to help them to develop and grow."

The ceremony was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad and organised by Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation that represents independent care providers.

Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, said the quality of entries was high.

He added: "There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

"I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.

"This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.

"We take our hats off to them."