Dedicated Ann Pugh has given a quarter of a century of unstinting service to a Pembrokeshire nursing home - and taken just one day off through illness.

While her official title is simply that of administrator, she is much more than that, and a beacon of excellence in the care sector.

Now she has been shortlisted in the 'Outstanding Service' category award - sponsored by Hallmark - at the prestigious Wales Care Awards.

The prizewinners will be announced at a glittering presentation evening held at City Hall in Cardiff on Friday, October 18, when Ann will be joined by the cream of the social care sector from across Wales.

Organised by Care Forum Wales, the annual awards recognise the invaluable and often remarkable contribution that carers make to society. .

Ann, 57, a mother-of-one, is employed at 28-bed Rickeston Mill Nursing Home, Rickeston Bridge, Haverfordwest, and her versatility and helpfulness makes her, as visitors have noted, "a stellar example of all that caring should be in a residential environment."

She's been described by a local doctor who knows her through his visits to the home as "unfailingly cheerful, enthusiastic and happy to help."

Ann had started at the home as a cook when it first opened and cares passionately about the welfare of residents. She said: "I enjoy my work, it's interesting and varied. No two days are the same. It's an honour to be nominated, you don't do the job for the recognition."

Ann, of Fairmeadow Close, Herbrandston, Milford Haven, helps run a youth group in the village in her spare time. Her background was catering and hotel management.

Susan Foster, registered manager of the home, said: "She never shies away from a day cooking in the kitchen if we need cover. Ann has also been known on many occasions to spend the day in the laundry or cleaning the home when staff levels dictate. Ann has also had two spells as acting manager of the home.

'On her days off Ann can often be seen shopping for residents in the local town. Residents, relatives, staff and visiting professionals all hold her in high regard.

"Ann is a great support to our activity leader and the activity room. She is always on hand to help at fundraising events and spends many weeks beforehand making various craft items to sell."

Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.

He said: "The event is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar.

"The aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.

"The care sector is full of wonderful people because it's not just a job it's a vocation - these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

"If you don't recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

"We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce - they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

"It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement."