A Denbighshire footballer has picked up an honour even though the season hasn't reached the halfway stage yet.

Denbigh Town defender Billy Holmes was recognised for his day-to-day work at the social care Oscars.

The 31-year-old from Rhyl was one of the recipients of this year's Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales to acknowledge exceptional work in the care sector.

Mr Holmes was presented with a bronze award for Excellence in Leadership and Management in Community Based Services.

Mr Holmes, a regular in Denbigh Town's JD Cymru North League side, started working as a Support Worker for MHC (UK) Ltd in Denbigh in 2013 and has worked his way up to become the registered manager of Glasfryn and Garth.

The two homes accommodate individuals with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems.

He was nominated for the award by fellow registered manager Crystal Pritchard, who said: "He always puts the residents he supports first, working in a person-centred approach, supporting each individual to live their best lives and supporting them to be empowered and confident.

"He has fantastic relationships with everyone who comes into contact with his work and he is highly thought of by those who know him.

"He regularly makes sacrifices to provide the best support for residents, for example supporting them on overseas holidays."

Glasfryn and Garth received excellent feedback in terms of well-being, care and support, and leadership and management following an unannounced inspection last year, which was attributed to Mr Holmes's hard work and dedication.

Staff told inspectors:  “It’s just a great service all-round, with it being led by someone who brings 100% every day."

Gemma Jennings, director of operations at MHC, said: "I am thrilled that Billy's dedication, hard work and commitment was being recognised by the Awards, an excellent example of our MHC Values."

Some of the improvements introduced by Mr Holmes have been adopted not only in MHC's several other homes but throughout Wales through Social Care Wales Forums.

Mr Holmes said: "I just want to ensure that the residents lead the best lives that they can, with the best opportunities."

Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high, adding: "There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

"I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.

"This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.

"We take our hats off to them."