A former geography teacher and assistant headmaster has earned a top award in social care.

Linley Jenkins, 62, was honoured with a Bronze accolade at the Wales Care Awards 2024, recognising him as one of the top three professionals in his field in Wales.

Mr Jenkins, who began working as a maintenance operative at Silvercrest Care Group's Cwrt Enfys residential home in Ystradgynlais in 2020, was commended for his "commitment to a support function".

He was presented with his award at a ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, attended by hundreds of professionals from across the country.

The Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales, are known as the Oscars of the social care sector.

Mr Jenkins' dedication and enthusiasm for his role made a significant impact, leading colleagues to nominate him for the prestigious award.

His duties at the 98-bed Cwrt Enfys home include general repairs, project designs, and structural maintenance.

However, he also takes the time to engage with residents, entertaining them with stories and slideshows of his extensive travels.

In his personal life, Mr Jenkins has climbed Kilimanjaro, trekked the Atlas Mountains, and cycled the Camino de Santiago.

His love of travel, which he attributes to his geography teaching background, has taken him to countless destinations across the globe.

Cwrt Enfys home manager, Lindsey Davies, who nominated Mr Jenkins for the award, said: "Whenever you ask anyone about Linley, they’ll have a smile on their face, he is just the nicest, kindest person around.

"He doesn’t need to interact with residents, but he’s made it his mission to get to know them, discover their likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests so he can strike up meaningful conversations.

"It means the world to residents when he does this."

Mr Jenkins retired from his role as assistant head at Bishop Vaughan Catholic School in Swansea when he was 55, after a teaching career spanning more than 35 years.

However, he wanted to continue contributing to his community and use his practical skills, leading him to his current role at Cwrt Enfys.

He said: "I was lucky to retire early and I knew I had a fairly good skills profile after years of doing odd jobs and practical work around our house and garden.

"I started as a maintenance assistant on a casual basis at Cwrt Enfys.

"Then I was offered a permanent part-time role which I love."

Mr Jenkins' role at Cwrt Enfys extends beyond his maintenance duties.

He has added a personal touch to the home's new library, and led the maintenance team in designing and building a sundial for the gardens.

Mr Jenkins lives with his wife Alison, a retired teacher, and they have two grown-up daughters and a baby granddaughter.

The shortlist of finalists for the awards was selected from hundreds of nominees in the social care sector across Wales.