AN 'exceptional' manager at a charity which helps people with learning disabilities live active, independent and fulfilling lives has been hailed for putting the needs of others before herself.

Ruth Wellum's passion and selflessness saw her quickly rise through the ranks at Cartrefi Ni Ltd in St Asaph after a previous career in childminding.

Now the 55-year-old, from Towyn, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for her efforts.

Ruth, who joined the not-for-profit organisation in 2014 after moving to the region from Sheffield "showed outstanding commitment" to her job and her own development, with her initial promotion two-and-a-half years later proving how valued she had become.

Her line managers and colleagues say she stands out as being "exceptional" for the way she treats people with dignity and respect and helps give them a voice.

She even changed her own working conditions to include evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins to ensure a person-centred approach was paramount within their care.

It is Ruth's passion for her caring role that has landed her a place in the final of the major national competition, the 2022 Wales Care Awards, dubbed the Oscars of social care.

The glittering presentation ceremony will be held at City Hall in Cardiff on October 21, hosted by tenor and radio presenter Wynne Evans, better known as Gio Compario from the Go Compare TV ads.

The event, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, will be streamed live on the night.

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Ruth said: "I was really shocked when I found out I'd been nominated for an award but I really appreciate it, it's lovely that people feel that way about me.

"I started working here after a career both as a childminder and supporting childminders with a local authority so I've always been in a caring role.

"This is totally different but I love it, it's brilliant. I just come in and do my job but to be recognised for it feels amazing."