A GWYNEDD man has been named "Champion Smiler" at the Pendine Park Care organisation thanks to his infectious grin and cheerful nature.

Colleagues and residents at the Bryn Seiont Newydd centre of excellence just outside Caernarfon, say that Andrew Roberts from Rhostryfan "lights up their lives".

As a result, the 33-year-old has been voted the most cheerful member of staff at the care home.

He received his awards – and a trophy shared with Pendine colleague Catherine Jones who works at the company’s Highfield home in Wrexham - when the company held a special celebration at their Wrexham headquarters.

The pair received an overwhelming vote of support from their work colleagues, residents and visitors to the care homes.

Andrew gave up bingo-calling for care four years ago and says he now loves working at Bryn Seiont Newydd.

"I was a bingo caller for 10 years but I was going nowhere and just went into care by chance and I took to it straight away," he said.

“I really enjoy my work. I love everything about looking after people and making sure they’re happy.

“Hopefully if I’ve got a smile on my face and I am happy it can give other people a laugh too and I think the bingo calling helped with that. In fact, one or two of the residents here used to go to the bingo too."

Father of two Andrew and his partner are engaged and expecting a new addition to the family. He has just qualified as one of Pendine Park’s first Care Support Practitioners and plans to advance his careers with the go-ahead company.

"It’s very fulfilling work and it’s been really fantastic working with Pendine," he added.

"It’s very motivating and that’s what keeps me going because the training has been hard and very thorough and has really helped me and now I want to further my career and I would like to go into nursing.”

Bryn Seiont Newydd manager Sandra Evans added: “Andrew is very popular with the residents and colleagues alike.

“He always goes round with a smile, helping staff and residents and making them laugh while family members frequently comment on how he makes their visits a pleasant experience.

“You might say he is their daily grin and tonic.”