Opera star Sir Bryn Terfel has launched a search to find the unsung heroes of social care in Powys.

Entries are being sought for the 2025 Wales Care Awards to honour the skill and devotion of people who work in care homes and home care companies looking after vulnerable people.

One of the awards is the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Award for promoting the Arts in Social Care.

The world-renowned bass baritone from Pantglas in Gwynedd is a big fan of the event and he is calling for nominations for all the other categories as well as the one that bears his name.

Also among the prizes up for grabs are ones to recognise care practitioners, nurses, chefs, excellence in dementia, promoting fulfilled lives and outstanding service.

This year's glittering event will take place Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 17.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, April 30.

None of the finalists will go away empty handed because, a bit like the Olympics, they will win gold, silver or bronze awards.

Sir Bryn said: “I am in awe of the dedicated heroes who work on the front line of social care so I am always keen to sing their praises.

“They are our national treasures, sometimes overlooked but never by the people who rely on their vital services, and we should always cherish and appreciate their immense contribution.

“The Wales Care Awards exists to raise awareness of the brilliant job done by this army of unsung heroes who do such a wonderful job in communities right across Wales.

“I am particularly delighted that there is a specific award to recognise the importance of the arts in social care settings and the difference it makes in enhancing the quality of life for those receiving care services and the wonderful people who provide care for them.

“I would also urge people to think who they would like to nominate in any of the other categories at the 2025 Wales Awards.”

The awards were founded by Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, to recognise the “fantastic work” of front line staff and promote excellence in the social care sector.

Mr Kreft said: “Anyone involved in the social care sector can nominate an individual or a team for an award.

“So whether you’d like to nominate an outstanding nurse, think your catering team are unsung heroes or you have a hard-working manager whose efforts deserve recognition, this is a chance to have your say.

“Attending the ceremony is also an occasion to mingle with fellow social care sector staff, compare best practice and, of course, to have some well-deserved fun. So come along and enjoy the evening – this is your time to shine.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce - they deserve to be lauded and applauded.”

For more details about the categories and to make a nomination for the 2025 Wales Care Awards go to: https://walescareawards.co.uk/