A Powys woman who moved from retail to social care has received a prestigious award.

Victoria Chapman is described as having "hit the ground running" after she started at Crosfield House, in Rhayader, in October of 2023.

She had no experience of working within a social care setting previously, but took to the role "like a duck to water."

After being promoted to deputy manager at Crosfield House, she has now received the Silver Award in the Exceptional Newcomer category at this year's Wales Care Awards - also billed as the "Oscars of social care."

Ms Chapman learnt of her win at a ceremony at Cardiff's Holland House Hotel.

She said: "I had no idea I had been nominated for this award until I was told to prepare myself for an interview.

"I was really surprised to have been nominated and very happy to have been shortlisted.

"The job at Crosfield House came up and I applied and got it and within weeks I realised it was the right thing for me and I'm relishing the challenge."

Having originally been employed as lead business support, Ms Chapman met with the deputy manager opportunity a few months after starting.

She said: "The post of deputy manager became available and I applied and was successful.

"It has meant a further change in role and I'm much more hands-on with residents and their families.

"I'm really enjoying it and I'm pleased the career change was the right thing to do and that I was brave enough to do it.

"I'm not sure how the future works out but I'm ambitious and I'm enjoying my new role and I'll build up experiences and see what happens.

"There are a lot of different avenues at the Caron Group and I'll see what I'm capable of doing."

The Wales Care Awards are sponsored by Educ8 Group, which provides apprenticeship programmes and training for employers and learners across South Wales.