Compassionate Ben Perkins won two awards at the social care Oscars - including one of the top honours.

Ben, 32, is one of three care coordinators at Care in Hand, one of the largest domiciliary care and nursing providers in Pembrokeshire, based at Pentlepoir and Pembroke Dock.

A recurring theme from those who have seen him in his caring role is how he rises "above and beyond the call of duty."

Ben, of Llanddewi Velfrey, won silver in the End of Life Care Award sponsored by Barclays Corporate at the prestigious Wales Care Awards.

And the icing on the cake was also winning the gold Dignity in Care Award sponsored by the Welsh Government.

After his double success Ben said : "I'm absolutely elated. It was such a memorable evening.

"I met fantastic people with wonderful stories and these awards recognise the fact that our jobs are very important. I had no idea that I could win gold and when it was announced it was very emotional."

Congratulations are pouring in, including on Facebook.

"It's good to know that I have had such tremendous support," said Ben.

Ben has worked for Care in Hand for 18 months, and has been supported by a large team of domiciliary carers, healthcare assistants, qualified nurses and a dynamic management team. He works closely with social services, the Hywel Dda Local Health Board and healthcare professionals such as district nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Since leaving school at Whitland and starting work as a YTS health care assistant in 1997, Ben has worked in a variety of jobs, including in a local health board mental health assessment unit for five years and has also been employed in a hospice and cancer ward environment.

Of farming stock, Ben has a sister who is a doctor and another who is a physiotherapist. He first came to realise that a career in caring was his forte when helping his sick grandmother at the age of 15.

In his palliative care work, he says it is vital to show respect to those being helped, and their families. Support can sometimes involve staying overnight at the home of a dying person, providing help and comfort.

"If a nurse is with them I will sleep on a sofa," he said. "I have my mobile 'phone switched on for 24 hours a day."

Local doctors say families "often speak with fondness and gratitude for his commitment to them as individuals."

He worked hard to ensure that patients received the highest possible standards of care.

A funeral director said : "He is a very special person, giving the care, support and dedication not only to the patient but also to the remaining family.

"A number of families have commented that Ben not only does his routine work but lends extra support when they most need it. His thoughtfulness and kindness is so much appreciated by everyone."

Ben was nominated by Delan Umanee, managing director of Care in Hand, who says his dedication, empathy and skill is admired by all who work with him. He's described as an inspiration to colleagues, who excels in the field of palliative care.

In the January snow, the company hired a 4x4 vehicle so Ben could spend the night at the home of a dying man, and stayed with the family after he'd passed away. Then he drove in treacherous conditions to his Care in Hand office to work his scheduled day shift, contacting the family throughout the day to offer reassurance and advice.

A widow, supporting Ben's nomination, wrote: "Ben's caring is of an excellent class. He is an exceptional person."

Declared Mr. Umanee: "Ben's caring side knows no bounds. His passion is evident and his compassion shines though."

He added his thanks to all the team at Care in Hand for their support and encouragement of Ben; to the Hywel Dda LHB, especially Jane Hughes, Caroline Martin and Maria Rees; the district nurses - in particular, Lorraine Handicott, Fran Parsell and Phil Smith and their teams - and from Social Services, Angela Watwood, Julie Randell, Paul Barnard and their team of dedicated social workers and welfare assistants.

The annual Wales Care Awards are among the highlights of the social care calendar.

Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely 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 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."